Retirement not on Radar Yet

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“We like Commissionaires because they come trained in security and first aid, they have organizational and leadership skills, and above all, they are dependable. You know what you are going to get when you engage the service of a commissionaire.” Gary Paulson, Prince Rupert Port Authority.

News Article

Michael Staples, The Daily Gleaner
June 14, 2010

Fred Pratt may be 86 but he has no intention of slowing down.

Still in charge: Fredericton’s Fred Pratt, a member of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, stands at his work station in the Victoria Health Centre. The 86-year-old recently completed more than 35 years on the job.

He loves his job way too much to think about that.

For the last 35 years, Pratt has been working with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires at various locations in Fredericton.

His friendly face and caring manner has served him well - making him one of the most recognizable faces in the service.

"I like it; it is very exciting," said Pratt from his monitoring station at the Victoria Health Centre, where he has worked for the last 22 years. "There's lots going on here and I like helping people. When they come in, sometimes I walk with them and show them where to go."

Pratt, the commissionaire supervisor at the health centre, is a retired master warrant officer, having spent 26 years in the Canadian Armed Forces.

During that time, he served in the Second World War, and was in Holland when Canadians liberated the country. He also served in Korea, Cyprus, and the Middle East.

The Doaktown native began his career as a member of the Carleton and York Regiment with later service in Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry and the Canadian Guards.

Over the years, Pratt has been honoured with numerous medals from Canada and one recent medal from the Netherlands.

He said his experiences in the military gave him the resolve needed to continue to help people and that's one of the reasons he enjoys working as a commissionaire.

Pratt, a recipient of the Commissionaires Distinguished Service Medal, said such an occupation seemed like a natural step forward after his career in the military.

"When I got out of the army in 74, I was going to join the commissionaires for a few years - now it's 35 and I am still doing it," Pratt said. "I like the commissionaires, they're nice people, nice bosses."

Pratt said he misses having the veterans at the centre because he used to visit them on a regular basis but he knows they're better off at the new facility near the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.

Over the years, Pratt said he has met some famous people, including Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne. The would-be monarch once came to the health centre to visit veterans.

"He just asked me how I was doing."

Aside from royalty, Pratt has met numerous lieutenant governors and several premiers during his time as a commissionaire, including former premier Richard Hatfield.

Dave Blaney, CEO of Commissionaires for the New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Division, said Pratt represents the attributes the organization expects - self-discipline, dedication, loyalty and service beyond self.

"He represents it in a role of supervision and in charge of a site," Blaney said. "He also has a very kind and gentle approach to those who need it the most. It's a combination of firmness and sensitivity, both to the Victoria Health Centre and its clients.

"He's someone you really look up to - especially with his age and where he's been but, at the same time, he is very compassionate and humble."

Pratt, meanwhile, said he uses a simple formula when it comes to getting himself ready for work every day. He just sticks to a routine.

"I am up every morning at 4 o'clock and leave the house at 5:30 and am here at about a quarter to six," Pratt said. "I have been doing this job for 35 years. I do my eight hours and go back home. Every chance I get, I go walking a mile or two."

He has no special diet, but does stay away from junk food.

Pratt said he might consider retirement at some point but right now it's more of a distant thought.

"I have worked five days a week - Monday to Friday for 35 years and didn't miss much time. I might retire this fall, maybe."

Pratt was recently recognized by the commissionaires with a certificate for his 35 years of service.

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