Alan Brunacini served as the Phoenix fire chief from 1978 to 2006.

PHOENIX - The Phoenix Fire Department announced the passing of former Phoenix Fire Chief Alan Brunacini Sunday.

According to a release from current Phoenix Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner, Brunacini joined the Phoenix Fire Department in 1958 and held every sworn position in the organization, including firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief and assistant chief prior to becoming the fire chief in 1978.

He served as the chief from 1978 to 2006.

Brunacini, also known as Bruno, was a pioneer of the NFPA 1500, the current national standard on firefighter safety.

He was also the author of Fire Command, Command Safety, Timeless Tactical Truths, Essentials of Fire Department Customer Service, and The Anatomy and Physiology of Leadership. Brunacini also presented workshops, seminars and conferences to fire departments throughout the country on various topics.