Today, a revered public servant will answer the call of duty for the last time, to take a well deserved retirement.
Hornell Fire Chief Dan Smith’s last official day on active payroll will be on Jan. 10, but between now and then, he will use remaining vacation time and effectively hand the job over to former Captain Frank Brzozowski.
Before his departure however, Smith sat down with The Spectator to recall fond memories as well as the trials of working at the fire station for 36 years. He spent nine years as a firefighter, 16 as captain, and the last 11.5 as the chief.
Prior to getting the job as firefighter at the age of 23, Smith served in the Marine Corps. Following discharge, he was working for a local moving company, and wanted a job where he could help people. He took the test on the suggestion of his parents and soon embarked on a year-long process to become a firefighter.