Spratt named new fire chief

Spratt, 43, has been with the Fire Department about 10 years. For the last seven years, he has served as captain. He took the promotion in stride, saying he believes he is prepared to take over the chief's duties.

"I've been pretty involved over the years," he explained.

Spratt, who works for the White Salmon Public Works Department, is a Bingen resident.

Mayor Prigel said Spratt was the best man for the job.

"He has been with the department for a long time, and no one else had his level of training," Prigel said.

Prigel added that Spratt has also been serving as the Fire Department's training officer.

Naturally, with the new title comes more responsibilities.

Spratt will now be responsible for making sure the equipment is in shape, that members are adequately trained, that staffing levels are healthy, and that records are maintained.

"There will be a lot more paperwork," Spratt noted. "And I'll be responsible for everybody's well-being."

Staffing is an issue that the department is currently looking at.

"We're down a bit," Prigel explained. "We're hoping he may be successful in sparking a little more interest."

"We have some new people interested in joining. We're doing a recruiting drive to get some more people in and get more training going," Spratt explained.

Bingen's Fire Department has 12 volunteers now. Ideally, Spratt said he believes the department needs between 15-25 members in total.

"Ten more would be good," he said. "We're in pretty good shape. We need some small equipment, but basically we just need to get people in here and get them trained."

Spratt added that John Wenz will serve as assistant fire chief.

"He has about nine years with the department," Spratt said.

Prigel said he believes the department is in good hands with Spratt.

"I think he'll bring some fresh energy to help us rebuild the number of volunteers," Prigel said. "He'll do a good job."

Those interested in applying to be volunteer firefighter can contact Bingen City Hall, 493-2122. Firefighters do not need to live within the Bingen city limits to be a volunteer for the department.