David S. Scannell (c. 1820 – March 30, 1893) was an American firefighter, law enforcement official, and veteran of the Mexican–American War.

[1][2][3] Scannell was born in New York City in about 1820, and began working as a volunteer firefighter when he was just twelve years old.

His unit fought at the battles of Veracruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Chapultepec and Garita de Belen.

His unit experienced extremely heavy casualties, but Scannell returned to New York uninjured.

[1][2] He joined San Francisco's volunteer fire department, and enrolled in a local militia.