I had the honor of knowing Hal personally as I work at the firehouse in Chevy Chase MD and he served on the fire board here. I did some electrical work over at Hal's house a few times and The time just flew by! Hal pulled up a chair to watch me work and just sat there and told me story after story of his time with the fire service. We would drop by his house quite often with the firetruck just to visit with him and listen to his bluegrass music and hear his tales! I have lost a dear friend and the fire service has lost an increadible ally! I'm gonnna miss you buddy and don't worry about Meg; the boys of the Chase promise to take good care of her!

“Hal made a real difference in people’s lives, both by keeping them informed about their world and by standing up for our first responders and their families. I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing.

“As a journalist, Hal distinguished himself as a voice for the truth even when it was a hard one. In his role as ABC News Political Director and as a debate moderator, he earned great respect from leaders on both sides of the aisle. As an advocate for firefighters and their families, Hal fought for legislation to provide resources for the survivors of those who died in service to their communities. Hal was a volunteer firefighter himself for decades, and he drew on that experience when he served as Chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at the time when we lost so many brave firefighters in the attacks of September 11, 2001.

“Hal will surely be remembered fondly by the many families of fallen heroes on whose behalf he worked tirelessly. I join in celebrating his life and offering my condolences to Meg, his children, and his grandchildren.”

Hal Bruno will always hold a very special place in my heart. During my three year battle to have the Hometown Heroes claims processed properly, Hal Bruno was a special friend and supporter. I will never forget the day my phone rang in my office and the voice on the other end of the line said "This is Hal Bruno. I'm just calling to tell you I support you." I could hardly believe that someone of his importance even knew who I was or would take the time to call. He went on to say that he would not retire until he saw the Hometown Heroes claims being processed properly. He kept his word and did just that. Hal Bruno was a special, special man. He will be missed. My prayers are with his family.

I wish to pay tribute to an individual that will always have a warm place in my heart. His compassion and drive to honor fallen firefighters and their families is a true testament to his character. RIP Hal. Job well done.

What an amazing gentleman, friend, mentor and simply a national treasure. My words here will never capture the love and admiration for such a gifted man as Hal. You will be missed personally, by the fire service and by the nation. Thank you so much for the time we were able to share and most of all for the time you shared with thousands. Meg, the Bruno family is in our prayers today.

We wish Meg and family all our best and we are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. xoxo, Paul and Paula Loftus

Words alone could never tell you, Hal Bruno, how much you mean to my heart. Thank you for all you have done not only for us Survivors of Fallen Firefighters, but for all our firefighters. I am sure you have a place of honor up in heaven right next to our Lord. You will be greatly missed. Godspeed Hal. You are now on angels wings . . .

With Love and Gratitude,
Tina Hauk,
Wife of Fallen Firefighter Asst. Chief Brian Hauk, L.T.F.P.D. - IL
Final Call 12/23/1997

It is with deep sadness that the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation announces that Chairman Emeritus, Hal Bruno, died last evening, Tuesday, November 8, 2011. He was 83.

For more than 60 years, Hal Bruno served as an active member of the fire service community, giving selflessly as a dedicated volunteer firefighter, advocate, commentator and leader. He is renowned for his commitment to fire safety initiatives and his compassion for the members of the fire service and their families.

We ask that you keep the Bruno family in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like to share a memory of Hal or post a tribute you may post it here. Please note that all posts will be submitted for approval before they are posted. We reserve the right to refuse to post any message that contains inappropriate language or that is disrespectful.