Index to Fire Department Reports
Municipal Reports
THE SAN FRANCISCO
EARTHQUAKE
AND FIRE OF APRIL 1906
In Memory of Dennis T. Sullivan
1852-1906
Chief Engineer of the San Francisco Fire Department
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Dennis T. Sullivan, late Chief Engineer of the San Francisco Fire Department, died April 22, 1906, from injuries received during the earthquake of April 18,1906.
Chief Sullivan and wife occupied quarters on the third floor of the building occupied by Chemical Company No. 3 on Bush street above Kearny. The earthquake overthrew the high ornamental tower that surmounted the roof of the California Hotel, immediately adjoining and high above the quarters of the Chief, which, toppling over on the latter roof crashed through the building to the ground floor, going through the room occupied by Mrs. Sullivan and carrying her in her bed down to the bottom floor.
Meanwhile the Chief, who occupied the adjoining room, was awakened by the crash, and unmindful of anything but his wife's safety, rushed into the room occupied by her, and in the dim light fell through the opening in the floor made by the falling tower down to the bottom floor, receiving injuries that resulted in his death four days later.
Both the San Francisco Fire Department and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors memorialized the Chief and extended their deepest sympathy to his widow, who was not seriously injured.