Sad News

February 27, 2026 — We were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Dena Gunning of the Central County Fire Department (CCFD) on February 21. She served as the Community Risk and Resiliency Specialist for the department for seven years, developing comprehensive emergency management and disaster mitigation programs for the City of Burlingame and the Town of Hillsborough, coordinating training and exercises, creating response and recovery programs and managing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. She was recently certified as a Public Information Officer Specialist by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

“Dena told me she was very excited about playing a bigger role in communicating with and preparing people for disasters,” said Terry Nagel, founder of BNN. “She was an integral part of Burlingame’s growing emphasis on community resilience.  We will miss her greatly.”

Dena worked closely with BNN board members and CERT volunteers. Rik Kasuga, Burlingame Volunteer CERT Coordinator, said, “Dena has made an impact on many organizations throughout the Bay Area. She will be missed by many people. In our immediate area, she will be remembered for her support of the BNN Drill, Hillsborough Neighborhood Network activities and CCFD CERT. I will remember her for her enthusiasm, her pride in her children and her devotion to her husband. She was an advocate of HAM radio. Now the HAM community will honor her as a ‘Silent Key.’”

CCFD Fire Chief Dave Pucci said, “Dena’s impact to our communities was significant. She helped us prepare for emergencies, made us more resilient and formed close ties in the community and throughout the state. She will be missed.”

CCFD has lowered flags at all its fire stations in Burlingame, Hillsborough and Millbrae in her honor.