A fire department’s success rests with its personnel. Good performance-evaluation practices can be that vital link to ensure success. Well planned and executed employee-performance evaluations can enhance individual, company, and department performance for years to come.

Tip: Company officers should use employee performance evaluations as a tool to foster personnel development. Remember, the audience that this process is intended for is “the employee.” This is a great opportunity to provide input that will help him or her grow and develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Provide objective documentation on the individual’s job knowledge, teamwork, safety practices, physical fitness, compliance with policies, and their overall work-ability. Talk about their strengths and achievements, any areas for development, and make an action plan for any improvement needed. Discuss their evaluation with them in person and monitor their plan throughout the year.