George W. Petty, born and bred in Alexandria, was a saloon owner, firefighter and foreman who eventually became a chief of the Alexandria Fire Department in 1876.
On April 15, 1911, Petty was on his way to a fire on South Henry Street when he collapsed. He was transported to the Alexandria Hospital where it was determined that he had suffered a heart attack. Petty became the first to die in the line of duty since the fire of 1855, when seven firefighters lost their lives battling a blaze.
Petty was buried in Bethel Cemetery, and as recently discovered, in an unmarked grave. But that is about to change.
“Through the efforts of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and the Alexandria Fire Department, we have procured a headstone for his grave and will dedicate and unveil it at a ceremony on Friday, Aug. 30, beginning at 10 a.m.,” said Friendship Firehouse trustee Bill Kehoe.
Bethel Cemetery is located at the end of Wilkes Street off Route 1/South Henry Street. The dedication is open to the public.