The man who founded Corvallis’ first fire brigade, George Peake Wrenn, died in the line of duty 136 years ago.
On Monday, Wrenn received a ceremony with full honors at the Crystal Lake Cemetery, where he was buried in 1882. A grave marker, made possible with donations from the man's descendants and others, also has been installed.
The ceremony included a bell salute and a firefighter performing "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes. An honor guard, comprising law enforcement officers from various agencies in the area, presented Wrenn’s descendants with a United States flag. Many local fire firefighters and sheriff deputies attended the event.
Wrenn’s great granddaughter, Pat Wrenn Eyler, said she hadn’t expected such a grand ceremony.