Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation

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Brunacini Award Used for Delivery of Program Near and Dear to Namesake

image of Fire Chief Brunacini

A funding award established in honor of Fire Chief Alan Brunacini was used to support a leadership presentation at a fire chiefs conference, delivered by Alana Brunacini.

The Chief Alan Brunacini Special Projects Program was initiated in 2024 by the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD). This prestigious program is awarded to eligible individuals and organizations within the fire and emergency services community to support projects that advance leadership development and training.

“Launching the Alan Brunacini Special Projects Program was a monumental step for YLD,” said Michael Hildebrand, President of the YLD Foundation. “Chief Alan ‘Bruno’ Brunacini’slogo for Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs contributions to the fire service are immeasurable.”

Chief Brunacini, who served on YLD’s Scholarship and Awards Committee for 28 years (1988–2017), was renowned for his exceptional leadership, sharp wit, and ability to simplify complex problems with elegant solutions.

“If you ever had the privilege of hearing Bruno speak, you know how he could make you laugh while imparting profound wisdom,” Hildebrand added. “He was a charismatic leader who left an indelible mark on everyone he met and on the entire fire service.”

One of the first awards was granted to the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute. “The Brunacini award was used to support speakers at the 109th Annual Conference of the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs,” said Jenn Johnson, Director of the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute.

Johnson added that one of the presenters was Dr. Alana Brunacini, Chief Brunacini’s daughter, whose leadership presentation reflected both the professional focus of the Special Projects Program and her father’s enduring influence on the fire service. Dr. Brunacini has been working in the behavioral health field since 2009.

Alana Brunacini and Dr. Brian Crandall presented Influencing Positive Outcomes: A Conversation About Leading, sharing practical leadership insights with conference attendees.

For additional information on the Brunacini Award and the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation, visit us at YLD.org.