Former Phoenix Fire Chief, Alan Brunacini, has died Sunday.
Brunacini, who served as fire chief for 28 years, joined the Phoenix Fire Department in 1959. Prior to becoming fire chief in 1978, Brunacini held every sworn position in the organization including a firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, and assistant chief, Phoenix Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner said in a Sunday statement.
Brunacini was the pioneer of the current National Standard on Firefighter Safety, NFPA 1500 and had also co-authored nine books pertaining to fire service.
"His relentless focus on firefighter safety and customer service are the hallmarks of the modern day fire service," Kalkbrenner said. "Chief Brunacini’s impact on the fire industry is impossible to quantify and our Brother and Sisters around the world grieve for his family."