It is with great sadness that the Fire Engineering/FDIC International family announces the passing of Chief (Ret.) Alan Brunacini of the Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department. Brunacini was a noted and respected longtime author of the Fire Engineering column “Bruno ‘Unplugged’” and co-host of the popular FDIC International Big Room Session “Bruno and Norman ‘Unplugged.’” He was also a longtime Advisory Board member of Fire Engineering and FDIC International and received the Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award at FDIC International.
Brunacini joined the Phoenix Fire Department in 1958. He served in every department position. He was promoted to fire chief in 1978 and retired in 2006. He was a graduate of the Fire Protection Technology program at Oklahoma State University. He had a BS and an MPA from Arizona State University. He was the past Chairman of the Board of the National Fire Protection Association and the first Chairman and developer of the NFPA Fire Service Occupational Safety Committee (standard 1500). He was also the first Chairman of the NFPA Career Fire Service Career Organization and Deployment Committee (standard 1710).
Brunacini was the author of Fire Command, Command Safety, Timeless Tactical Truths, Essentials of Fire Department Customer Service, and The Anatomy and Physiology of Leadership. He also presented workshops, seminars, and conferences to many fire departments throughout the country on various topics. He and his sons owned and operated the fire service Web site bshifter.com.
Fire Engineering Editor in Chief and FDIC International Education Director Bobby Halton said, “One of the most incredible lights that ever burned in the fire service has gone out forever. A totally unique and one-of-a kind giant, innovator, and moral and spiritual leader has left us better and stronger than we ever could have been without him. He changed the face of the fire service forever, and we loved him and will miss him.”
"Chief Brunacini had the uncanny ability to put the newest recruit and the saltiest old-timer at ease with his incredible humor and low-key demeanor despite his international fame. He was one of a kind, a true student of the fire service. I don't know anyone else who meticulously kept up with the changing trends, constantly keeping notes in his little pocket notebook well past his retirement as chief. As the father of Incident Command, he brought the fire service into the modern age of fire scene management. His impact on the fire service will still resonate many years from now," said Glenn Corbett, associate professor of fire science at John Jay College in New York City and a technical editor of Fire Engineering.
“Bruno was an incredible mentor and friend. I am thankful for the many conversations and incredible wisdom that he shared. He had a unique ability to expose the simplicity in the fire services complex issues. He lived as he preached, being nice, being safe, and preventing harm,” added Captain David Rhodes, Atlanta (GA) Fire Department and longtime fellow FDIC International Advisory Board member.
Fire Engineering technical editor Captain Bill Gustin, Miami-Dade (FL) Fire-Rescue, said, “If I had to characterize Chief Brunacini, the first thing that pops into my mind is that he was a great listener. This is what made him so humble, approachable, and loved. Although he was a giant in the fire service, he never forgot where he came from and held ordinary firefighters in high esteem. He not only listened to firefighters but he cared what they said and thought. The second thing that comes to mind is that he was a compassio