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Brennan Remembered At FDIC 2006
This year's Brennan and Bruno "Unplugged" didn't include a debate between two fire service visionaries. Instead, former Fire Engineering editor Tom Brennan's friends, the members of the fire service, paid tribute to their friend and mentor. Alan Brunacini, chief of the Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department, Fire Engineering and Editor in Chief Bobby Halton presided over not a debate about East vs. West (or old vs. old, as Brunacini commented) but over a celebration of the life of Tom Brennan.
After a piped rendition of "Oh Danny Boy" and a prayer for Tom by Chaplain Dave Powell, co-workers from both the FDNY and Fire Engineering recounted their own experiences with Brennan, not memories. To meet and speak with Tom was always an experience. They also shared messages with Brennan's family. Here are some highlights:
Bobby Halton, Editor in Chief, Fire Engineering
On seeing an engine parked outside the memorial service, "They're not going to take Tom in an engine are they?"
Alan Brunacini, Chief, Phoenix Fire Department
responding to Halton, "Maybe the engine guys got the last laugh."
Diane Feldman, Executive Editor, Fire Engineering
On her interview with Tom Brennan for a job on Fire Engineering, "Bill Manning, the managing editor at the time, told Tom to see me, ask me some questions, and then they'd talk about it later. But instead, Tom just said, 'Let's cut to the chase. The job's yours if you want it.'"
On Brennan reacting to Feldman sitting in on Firefighter I classes to gain knowledge about the fire service: "A little knowledge in the wrong hands is a dangerous thing."
John Salka, Battalion Chief, FDNY
"Go back and print out or copy all his 'Random Thoughts' columns. You can read those things forever and learn something new every day."
Dennis Conway, Fellow Truckie, FDNY
"We'll all miss that one person - Tommy Truck."
Raul Angulo, Captain, Seattle (WA) Fire Department
On his apologizing to Tom that the top SFD brass didn't attend a Tom Brennan training session: "I'm not here for them. I'm here for all these guys," the firefighters.
