By Diana LaMattina
The Post-Standard (New York)
Copyright 2006 Post-Standard
All Rights Reserved
A 26-year-old tractor-trailer driver who died in a crash Wednesday morning was dedicated to the Fairmount Fire Department, his chief said Wednesday.
James “Jay” Spraker, of 112 Canterbury Drive, Camillus, died after being ejected from his truck while driving through Mercer County, Pa.
On hearing the news, fellow firefighters displayed black flags, his coat and boots next to a firetruck in front of the fire station as signs of their mourning.
“He was a firefighter’s firefighter,” said Chief Larry Gilbert Jr. “If there was something he could do to help you out, he would. He was a genuine caring person. Plain and simple, he was a great guy.”
Even before Spraker became a firefighter on Aug.1, 1999, he was a well-known face at the firehouse. His father, Roger, has been a member since 1974, and his uncle John Shults is a past chief and life member.
“When he was a young kid, his parents brought him to the Fire Department,” Gilbert said. “There was a long tradition of service in his family.”
Most recently, Sparker served as second lieutenant and an assistant training officer for the Fairmount fire company.
He attended West Genesee Senior High School and served as goalie on the hockey team. During his senior year, he was named to the state select hockey team.
After graduating from West Genesee in 1998, Spraker received a scholarship from the Fairmount Fire Department. He went on to attend and play hockey at Broome Community College. He still played and refereed games at Shove Park in Camillus.
Spraker began driving tractor-trailers for the McLane Co. about a year ago, company officials confirmed.
He was traveling south on Interstate 79 when the tractor-trailer slid off the left side of the road and over the median. Spraker was able to drive back onto the road before the truck overturned and struck the guardrail.
He was pronounced dead at 2:49 a.m. at the scene. Pennsylvania state police said he suffered head and chest injuries.
Spraker’s passenger, Adrian Jacobs, 33, of Auburn, was asleep in the cab of the truck and suffered “moderate injuries.” Jacobs was taken to Grove City Medical Center, state police said.
Neither Spraker nor Jacobs was wearing seat belts. The investigation into the crash is continuing, state police said.
Spraker is survived by his wife, the former Michelle Rossi; a 2-month-old daughter, Ava Marie; his parents, Roger and Delores Spraker; and a brother, Kevin.
Funeral arrangements are not yet final.