Posted on: Tuesday, January 8, 2002

Fire chief receives evaluators' top score

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Honolulu Fire Chief Attilio Leonardi received the highest possible score for the second straight year in his annual evaluation by the Fire Commission.

Leonardi has received top marks since he took over as chief in 1998. The City Charter requires the five-member commission to evaluate the chief annually and report to the mayor and City Council.

The chief was evaluated in four categories: leadership qualities, managerial skills, relationship with the commission, and personal and professional traits.

He received the maximum 5 points in each of the first three categories. (There is no numerical rating for the final category.)

"The chief continues to exceed expectations," the commission stated in its report. "The chief has demonstrated the ability to respond proactively and effectively to extraordinary circumstances, such as the Asian Development Bank conference and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and resulting public health and safety concerns."

Leonardi said yesterday he was pleased with the evaluation and he credited the more than 1,100 Fire Department employees for his success.

"We've got a great team so that's what makes the chief look good," he said.

Leonardi said 2001 was an especially challenging year, with the security concerns involved in the ADB conference and the aftermath of terrorist attacks. He said the department was able to make adjustments, such creating the anthrax assessment teams, to meet the needs of the community.

To improve service, he said, the department will begin several new programs this year, including a new physical test for this year's recruit class.

"There are a lot of things that are going on nationally that we're trying to implement in the department," Leonardi said. "Instead of having all of your own, you're better off having nationally accepted requirements. That puts you on par with the other departments."