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Meet our Founder, Chief Randy Bruegman

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"I have learned it is not about me but about making an impact on others. It truly is the biggest reward that we can have, no matter what your profession is."

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In the world we live in today, we need for those in leadership positions to walk their talk and lead by example.

The leadership void in government and many public and private organizations today is why The Leadership Crucible Foundation was created. The foundation focuses on developing leaders and instilling two core traits essential for making a positive difference in the lives of others paying it forward to others, and leaving it better than you found it.

 

 Randy Bruegman, the founder of The Leadership Crucible Foundation, began his career as a firefighter and rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief, leading five different organizations for over 27 years. His last assignment as Fire Chief in the City of Anaheim, California, marked the culmination of a 40-year career in local government. Chief Bruegman is a respected author and lecturer on leadership and managing change, having authored five books and over 50 published articles. His leadership experience, including serving as President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and President of the Board of Directors for the Center for Public Safety Excellence, underscores the importance of leadership in individual development and organizational success. It is these experiences and having the honor to lead people who place their lives on the line daily, that has led to his commitment to the importance that leadership plays in developing individuals, and leading organizations to be successful. It is that vision that is found and is a driving force within the Leadership Crucible Foundation.  

Randy is nationally recognized as one of the most admired and competent leaders in the fire service.

As the leader of a team of emergency first-response professionals, Chief Bruegman has always prioritized service over self, leading with humility and compassion. He recognizes the significant changes taking place in all professions and believes that as leaders, we must prepare our organizations for future success and sustainability.

 

Even after retiring from the service, Chief Bruegman continues to make a difference by influencing fire and emergency programs nationwide. He also strives to inspire present and future leaders to lead with ethics and integrity and do the right things, even when it is difficult to do. As the founder of the Leadership Crucible Foundation and host of the Leadership Crucible podcast, Chief B’s mission is to emphasize the leadership behaviors that drive success for individuals and organizations, irrespective of their profession.

The lessons shared through the resources the Foundation develops have the power to transform the future of leadership, reshaping the way we think about leading others in both normal situations and in crises.

Remember, “you have to be a student before you can be a teacher.”

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There is leadership, there is uncommon leadership, and there is extraordinary leadership - that of the servant leader: the high ground of leadership. Simon Sinek, a noted servant leadership author and lecturer, says: 'Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about caring for those in your charge.'

 

There is much to learn about leadership from someone who has led people serving in one of the most respected professions in the nation: America’s Fire and Emergency Services. The character of Fire Chief Randy Bruegman is defined by a calm strength borne of the challenges of leading men and women sworn to protect the safety of our citizens 24/7. With years of experience-first following, and then leading others, Randy Bruegman provides a panorama of stories from a wide range of people who have experienced their crucibles of leadership and growth, so that you can learn from their stories and Randy’s experience. Randy’s life is a great example of 'it is not where you start, but where you finish that matters”.

From Chief Bruegman's journey to the narratives shared by individuals on his podcast, you will be motivated and equipped to guide yourself and instruct others as you navigate your path and endeavor to leave a positive impact, paying it forward to those whom you work with and are privileged to lead.

Chief Bruegman's Bio

93% of Americans

have a high level of trust in firefighters, according to Nuremberg Institute research.

WHY THE LEADERSHIP CRUCIBLE?

My goal, to paraphrase an old quote, is to plant the seeds of servant leadership in people, whose success, and accomplishments I will never see. To do that, I am asking you to join me in this journey, as we learn and continue to grow together.

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James Day, Fire & Emergency Services Performance Management

"Chief Randy Bruegman has carried the torch of enlightenment and influenced the fire service with years of productive leadership. His roles as an international professional association president and international fire and emergency service accreditation has assisted fire and emergency services around the world strive for excellence."

RANDY R. BRUEGMAN AGENCY INNOVATION AWARD

This annual award will be presented to an agency that is internationally-accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International® (CFAI) and has worked collaboratively within their agency and community to innovate a practice leading to improved outcomes that could serve as a model for the greater fire and emergency service.

 

The goal of the award is to recognize, incentivize, and advocate for innovation in the fire and emergency service. Learn more.

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CHIEF BRUEGMAN'S LATEST BOOK

Click the video to watch an interview with Chief Bruegman about his new book, Advanced Fire and Emergency Services Administration, Second Edition.

In this book, Chief Bruegman helps chiefs today and those that will lead in the future to position their organizations to be successful over the next three decades.

To read the original blog post from Public Safety Group, click here.

HIRE CHIEF BRUEGMAN TO SPEAK

Chief Bruegman is available for hire to speak at your educational or corporate gathering. To book him to speak at your next event, please hit the 'email' button below. 

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