Our condolences to the Dunn family and the Meriden Fire Department of Connecticut. Chief of Department William Dunn, 50, a 25 year veteran of the Meriden Fire Department died Thursday June 20, 2002. William took his own life at his home 3 weeks after taking a leave of absence for physical and emotional exhaustion. Friends and family were shocked by the death of a man widely respected and considered a dynamic chief and the department's youngest in history and the pride of a firefighting family.

     William joined the Meriden Fire Department in 1977 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1984, to Captain in 1986, to Assistant Fire Chief in 1990, and to Chief in 1996. He was also a member of the Relay for Life Committee, Daffodil Festival Committee, CT Career Chiefs' Association, CT Fire Chiefs Association, and a former President of Local 1148 Firefighters' Union. William's son Ryan is a Meriden FireFighter and his father-in-law, retired Captain Robert Barnard was also a member of the department.

     Our brother William leaves behind a wife, Jane, and his two sons, Brendan and Ryan. A wake will be held on Sunday June 23, 2002 4-8PM at Augustus Curtis Cultural Center in Meriden. A funeral will be held Monday June 24, 2002 10AM at St. Joseph Church in Meriden followed by a burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Meriden. A reception will be held at Il Monticello's Restaurant in Meriden following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to: