Honolulu fire chief
to retire Jan. 15 as
last extension ends

After 35 years with the Honolulu Fire Department, including the last seven as chief, Attilio Leonardi is stepping down from his post.

Attilio Leonardi: Fire commissioners praised him for projects such as getting new headquarters

This time, it's for real.

Leonardi originally retired in December 2003 but was retained by the Honolulu Fire Commission to serve under an appointment basis in 89-day increments, just under the 90-day limit that would terminate any pension benefits. The extension is finally set to end on Jan. 15, which marks the HFD's 155th anniversary.

"I leave with my greatest respect for this organization," Leonardi said yesterday during a news conference. "Our firefighters are aces. Fire after fire, no complaints -- 'Let's just get out there and do the job.'"

Commission officials credited Leonardi with doing all they had asked him to accomplish during his two extra years, including building HFD's new headquarters, which is under construction at the corner of South and Queen streets.

His other accomplishments include getting the department nationally accredited and getting the Navy to give the city five acres on Valkenburg Street where the HFD Training Center has been for more than 25 years.

"I'd like to thank Chief Leo for doing an outstanding job," said Honolulu Fire Commission member Sandra Fong. "He's taken the Fire Department to the next level."

During his contract extension, Leonardi continued to collect his $110,200 annual salary, plus benefits. The Fire Commission said the process to find Leonardi's successor officially begins Sunday, when an advertisement in both daily newspapers will list the position and call for applications.

Second in command at HFD is Deputy Fire Chief John Clark, followed by four assistant fire chiefs.

When commission members were asked what kind of qualities they were looking for in selecting a new chief, Leonardi answered for them: "Handsome like me, what else?"