In 1941, Merrill Fire Chief Adlord Talbot died after an emergency.
There was no ceremony or recognition -- until Tuesday when firefighters dressed in Class A uniforms saluted him.
Talbot's daughter, Monica, who is in her 90s, and his great-grandson, Mike Talbot attended the ceremony, WAOW reported.
"The family was left without a father, and the fire department was left without a leader.” City of Merrill Alderman Mike Caylor said.
Talbot's sacrifice was discovered by Caylor while he was looking through some old books were donated to the town's library.
Merrill Chief Josh Klug said: "Anytime you can do that even if it’s eight decades in the making, and we wanted like I said to show our respects and appreciation for his ultimate sacrifice."
Mike Talbot grew up hearing stories about his great-grandpa's bravery.
"He could’ve taken other jobs at other times in his life but he did his entire career as a fireman and then fire chief. And, that you would argue is a calling and he went to his grave doing the job that he loved and doing the thing that he was called to do."
Under a brilliant blue sky in front of the firehouse, a bell tolled 5-5-5.
