10/18/2017
Today, we mourn the loss of arguably the most cherished and preeminent figure in fire service leadership. Former Phoenix Fire Chief Alan V. Brunacini sadly passed away unexpectedly today.
His passing marks the end to an iconic tenure in public safety with a voluminous list of accomplishments and credentials that not only gave the Phoenix Fire Department it's pedigree but also shaped the modern day fire service into what it is today.
He served as the Chief of the Phoenix Fire Department for an unprecedented term of 28 years and went on in "retirement" to create the highly successful Blue Card Command System Certification that offers fire department officers enhanced instruction in fire ground management.
Chief Brunacini or "Bruno" as he preferred to be called was the architect of the Fire Ground Command System which is used worldwide to manage the deployment and organization of resources at fire scenes. His book, Fire Command is considered to be the bible of fire ground operations.
Chief Brunacini was also passionate about leadership, organizational management and customer service authoring several books and curriculums on the subjects. It was his belief that an organizations greatest asset was it's members and that outstanding customer service was always the by-product of effective leadership and employees who felt valued.
It is with great sadness we say goodbye to this beloved figure who gave us so much. His contributions to valley fire departments and the fire service in general were absolutely immeasurable and prolific.
Rest in peace Bruno, you were legendary and will never be forgotten.
