David S. Scannell
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David S. Scannell, prominent California public official
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| Born | c. 1820
New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Died | March 30, 1893(1893-03-30) (aged 73)
San Francisco, California, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Firefighter, sheriff |
| Known for | First Fire Chief of the San Francisco Fire Department |
David S. Scannell (c. 1820 – March 30, 1893) was an American firefighter, law enforcement official, and veteran of the Mexican–American War.[1][2][3]
Scannell was born in New York City in about 1820, and began working as a volunteer firefighter when he was just twelve years old.[1][2]
In 1846 he volunteered to fight during the Mexican–American War, and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 2nd Regiment of Foot of New York. His unit fought at the battles of Veracruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Chapultepec and Garita de Belen. His unit experienced extremely heavy casualties, but Scannell returned to New York uninjured.
In 1851 he moved from New York to California during the California Gold Rush.[1][2] He joined San Francisco's volunteer fire department, and enrolled in a local militia.
Scannell was San Francisco's third elected Sheriff, serving from 1855 to 1856.[1][2] When San Francisco Fire Department transitioned from an organization staffed by volunteers to one staffed by full-time paid staff Scannell served as its first fire chief.[1][2]
Scannell died on March 30, 1893, in San Francisco.[4] He was buried in Lone Mountain Cemetery.[5] His remains were moved to Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, California before 1941.
Scannell's will and testament established an award, the David S. Scannell Medal, to be given annually to an outstanding San Francisco firefighter.[1][2] In 1909, the city named a fireboat after him, the David Scanell.[6][7]
He went on to become the Chief Engineer of the San Francisco Fire Department, and was appointed Chief in 1871 when the Fire Department went from a volunteer organization to a professional one. He died March 31, 1893 at the age of 73, much beloved by the citizens of the City.
For many months Chief Scannell's health bad failed rapidly, but with that indomitable iron will for which he was noted he struggled on with his dangerous duty in being the first at, all fires and the leader in their extinction.
The launching of the first completed fireboat -- the David Scannell, was fixed for next Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the Risdon Iron works.
