Thomas Dunnigan, Spenard Volunteer Fire Dept, May 28, 1967
Thomas Dunnigan
Chief, Retired
Spenard Volunteer Fire Department
Died: May 28, 1967
A General Alarm Fire did approximately $500,000 damage to the Spenard Builders Supply and took the life of Retired Spenard Fire Chief Thomas Dunnigan, who was working as a volunteer firefighter. Dunningan was killed instantly when he stepped on a downed power line at he scene of the fire. Five engine companies and an aerial unit responded from the City of Anchorage Fire Department when the 2:15 am call came in and arrived to find the structure fully involved. Tom Dunnigan was killed only 45 minutes later.
Thomas Dunnigan, born in Walla Walla, Washington, moved to Anchorage in 1953. He became a volunteer firefighter with the Spenard Volunteer Fire Department and was elected as Fire Chief in 1961, a position he held until 1965, when the Greater Anchorage Area Borough contracted with the city to provide fire protection for the Spenard service district.
Chief Dunnigan was one of the founders and a Charter member of the Alaska State Firefighters Association. He was also an active member of the Spenard Lions.
At the time of his death, survivors included a son Dennis, was a City of Anchorage Firefighter and was on duty that night, a daughter Mrs. Doreen Donald, a sister Rose, and three brothers, Archie, Joe and Jerry.