Evaluation of Maui Fire Chief “Very Favorable”

Maui Fire Chief Jeff Murray, Dec. 14, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The Maui County Fire & Public Safety Commission has completed its annual evaluation of Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray for calendar year 2015.

“The review of our Fire Chief included participation from all Commissioners and the results were very favorable,” said William “Butch” Soares, outgoing Chair of the Fire & Public Safety Commission. “We are so fortunate to have the best Fire Chief in the state, and his positive attitude drifts down to the whole department. Although I am leaving, I will continue to support the department and its leaders as best as I can. I am proud of our fire department and the strides it has made over the years,” said Soares.

The review is mandated by the Maui County Charter, and took into consideration Chief Murray’s demonstration of leadership, communication, as well as the annual review and update of the Maui Fire Department’s strategic plan.

Department participation in community activities, maintaining leadership and promoting a professional presence in the community while managing the Department’s budget, were also considered in the annual evaluation.

Also inclusive was: the implementation of new and progressive training and departmental programs, cooperation with other departments and agencies, and the additional challenges of supervising the transfer of the Ocean Safety Division from the Department of Parks & Recreation to the Department of Fire & Public Safety – as directed by the Maui County Charter Amendment.

Doreen “Pua” Canto, newly selected Chair of the Fire & Public Safety Commission also commented on the evaluation saying, “As it relates to the value of accomplishment and achievements, Kūlia i ka nu’u, meaning, ‘Strive to reach the summit,’ defines Chief Jeffrey Murray, as he continues to develop the Maui Fire Department to truly realize its mission. He transforms vision into reality by perpetuating the department’s mission statement, ‘Dedicated to protect and preserve life, environment, and property.’ This Commission supports these Goals,” she said.

Chief Murray also commented in a department issued press release saying, “I am humbled and deeply grateful for the high marks the Commission has given me on my annual evaluation. I would like to thank our staff and department members for their hard work and dedication every single day. We have been diligently working together to provide the highest level of professional, efficient, and safe response to the community. Everything that we do is to protect and serve the community that we love.”