It is with deep respect and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dena Gunning on February 21, 2026.
Dena leaves behind her beloved husband of 33 years, Sean, and their two children, Melissa (23) and Michael (19).
Our colleague and dear friend, Dena’s dedication, kindness, and unwavering spirit left a lasting impact on her family, friends, everyone at Central County Fire Department (CCFD), and the community she so faithfully served. A California native and lifelong resident of San Mateo County, Dena brought more than 30 years of experience in emergency management, community resiliency, and regional collaboration efforts throughout the Bay Area.
Dena joined CCFD on January 7, 2019, as the Community Risk and Resiliency Specialist. Throughout her distinguished career, she also served as Emergency Planning Coordinator and Emergency Services Coordinator for the Oakland Fire Department; Emergency Services Manager for Thrive; Grants Manager for the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services and Homeland Security; and Executive Director of San Mateo County CARD (Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters). In every role, she worked tirelessly to strengthen partnerships, improve preparedness, and protect the communities she loved.
Dena spent her life taking care of others. We have created this GoFundMe to help support her family during this incredibly difficult time and to provide stability as they move forward without their wife, mother, and guiding light.
Dena was the primary provider for her family. Her husband, Sean, is on disability due to an injury, and both Melissa and Michael are currently in college. As they face this unimaginable loss, they are also navigating significant financial uncertainty. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden and allow her family the space to grieve and heal.
“Those whom we serve receive the benefits of our achievements.”
– Dena D. Gunning