Bridge over Northway named for trooper killed in line of duty
WILTON, N.Y. » The late Trooper Timothy Pratt’s service and sacrifice was remembered Thursday as more than 100 people turned out to help dedicate a bridge named in his honor, at Northway Exit 16 in Wilton.
Pratt, 55, a South Glens Falls resident, was killed in the line of duty while assisting a trucker on Ballard Road, shortly before dawn on Oct. 26, 2016.
Signs identifying the New York State Trooper Timothy Pratt Memorial Bridge were unveiled along the Northway, and on both ends of the span, on Ballard Road.
“When you pass this sign on the highway, smile because that’s what he would want,” said Susan Clarke, Pratt’s fiance. “Laugh, smile and celebrate his life and our own lives, every single day. Be happy, safe and have no regrets.”
The bridge naming was approved by the state Legislature, through bills sponsored by state Sen. Kathleen Marchione, R- Halfmoon, and Assemblywoman Carrier Woerner, D-Round Lake. Ceremonies began at the Wilton state police station on Bal- lard Road, near the site of Pratt’s tragic accident.
“If you look up the definition of public servant there should be a picture of trooper Pratt next to it,” Marchione said. “We will never forget everything he did to make our state a safer, better place for everyone.”
After serving in the U. S. Air Force from 1979 to 1986, Pratt became a trooper on March 30, 1987, and spent his entire career with Latham-based Troop G. He was assigned to the Traffic Incident Management unit at the Wilton station.
He was also a Motorcycle Unit member and led the 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride from Albany to New York City.
Pratt graduated from South Glens Falls High School in 1979 and volunteered each year at the South High Marathon Dance with security duties.
“His was a presence that was hard to ignore,” Woerner said. “It was a pleasure to have had an op-