Congressional Fire Service Remembers Hal Bruno

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 24th annual Congressional Fire Services Institute’s National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner spoke much about legacy and honored a national figure whose legacy continues to serve the nation’s fire service.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chairman Emeritus Hal Bruno was honored by Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) as a figure who was well known for his compassion for the families of fallen firefighters and the desire to help educate firefighters on the ways of politics.

“He leaves behind a legacy that speaks volumes about his character and integrity,” Hoyer stated. “He never wanted to be the story. Rather, he wanted to tell the story.” Hoyer delighted in Bruno’s reporter ability to tell the stories of the nation’s fire service and the constant challenges.

“Without question, his first-hand report of the tragic 1958 Our Lady of Angels fire in Chicago, which he discovered was the result of poor safety standards, led to significant reform that has since saved many lives.”

Bruno was also praised for his work on behalf of the families of fallen firefighters. As an additional honor to Bruno’s legacy, the NFFF announced the foundation of the “Hal Bruno Camp for Children of Fallen Firefighters”. In a partnership with Comfort Zone Camps the camp will open in June and serve as a support system for children across the country to gain skills useful in coping with their loss.

Attendees to the CFSI dinner received a challenge coin depicting Hal with the phrase “Legacy of Leadership”. Hoyer encouraged the audience to develop that leadership legacy by describing Hal’s example of selfless service, “It is often said that if you impact one life in a positive way, you have lived a good life…Hal lived a great life.”