Bob Napier, a 50-year member of the Verdoy Volunteer Fire Department who rose through its ranks to become chief and fire commissioner, died Tuesday following a battle with cancer, according to the department.
In a Facebook post, the department said Napier was an extremely dedicated firefighter who served as a lieutenant, captain, assistant chief, chief, fire commissioner, town of Colonie fire coordinator and on numerous fire committees at the state level.
“When not in a leadership position, Bob was a mentor and counselor to new officers and firefighters,” the department said, adding that Napier “embodied the greatness of Colonie Fire Service.”…