READING, Pa. \u2013 A former fire chief who also served as president of the Reading Area Fire Museum died Sunday at 84 years old.<\/p>\n
William \u201cBill\u201d Rehr served as the city’s 15th fire chief from 1996 until the end of 2010. In total, he spent 51 years with the department.<\/p>\n
He also served in the U.S. Army from 1960 until 1968, when he received an honorable discharge as staff sergeant.<\/p>\n
Rehr is remembered as a dedicated leader and an advocate for preserving the history of firefighting in the city.<\/p>\n
He spoke with 69 News many times over the years, providing updates at fire scenes.<\/p>\n
A few years ago, he reflected on Reading’s response to Hurricane Agnes in 1972 when he was a volunteer. In 2010, 69 News asked Rehrabout his proudest moment on the job. He said it was when is son, Tom, made lieutenant.<\/p>\n
In a post about Rehr\u2019s death, the Reading Fire Museum shared a story. It said that three months before Rehr was born in 1941, his mother ran from her Reading home to witness two tractor-trailer drivers perish in flames when they collided nearby. \u201cIt\u2019s been an old wives tale for centuries that events that happen while a child is still in the mother\u2019s womb has a life-long effect on the child,\u201d the post said.<\/p>\n
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William H. Rehr III being interviewed by 69 News<\/p>\n
Courtesy of The Reading Area Fire Museum<\/p>\n
During his time as fire chief, Rehr received a courage award for saving two children from a burning home. He also worked to bring the 911 emergency phone system to the residents of Berks County. In February 1988, he became the first-ever 911 coordinator for the County of Berks, according to the Reading Fire Museum.<\/p>\n
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Courtesy of The Reading Area Fire Museum<\/p>\n
“His vision, commitment, and contributions helped make the museum a treasured resource for generations. We extend our deepest condolences to Bill’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the museum\u2019s post read.<\/p>\n
Funeral and memorial service details will be shared when available.<\/p>\n