The first fallen Columbus Firefighter is finally receiving a headstone at his gravesite after 150 years.
Mark B. Newman was a Columbus firefighter in the 1800s, he also worked as a police officer. Newman was recognized as the first Columbus firefighter to die in the line of duty more than a century ago. At the time of his death, Newman was given a proper burial and all. However, the funds raised were given to help the needs of his wife and children. Up until Tuesday, his burial site was unfinished.
“Mark Newman is a special guy,” said Chris Klein, a Columbus firefighter. “He was one of the first paid firemen to work for the paid steam department.”
It has been 150 years to the date Newman died while helping to put out a fire at the Columbus Woolen Factory when a wall collapsed on him.