Honolulu Fire Chief Kenneth Silva has done an excellent job since he was appointed one year ago, according to the city's Fire Commission.

"Chief Silva has demonstrated exemplary leadership ability during his first year in office," the five-member commission wrote in its first annual evaluation of Silva.

"He leads by example and exemplifies balance and proper perspective in every area of leadership. He is an extraordinary person who exhibits a positive attitude and great moral values," the commission found.

Silva "hit the ground running" when he was appointed chief in January 2006, according to the commission.

He and his staff developed a master strategic plan for the Fire Department that includes realistic short- and long-term goals, the commission found.

Deputy Fire Chief Alvin Tomita also received high marks.

The commission's dealings with Tomita have been "uniformly positive," and he "has consistently demonstrated himself to be an excellent second-in-command and an effective leader in the absence of the Fire Chief," the commission found.

Silva joined the fire department in 1981. He succeeded former Chief Attilio Leonardi, who retired in 2006 after 35 years of service. Silva is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu and a master's degree in public administration from UH-Manoa.

The Honolulu Fire Department is the 12th largest metropolitan fire department in the U.S.