When delegating a task to a subordinate, you must ensure that the:

• A. Assigned firefighter can do the job
• B. Mission statement and objectives are shared with the subordinate, before the assignment
• C. Job is identified in department hiring assessments
• D. Organization is competent

Answer: (A)

Delegation rests on matching a task to someone who is capable of completing it. The best choice is ensuring the assigned firefighter can do the job because a task handed off without adequate capability risks unsafe outcomes, poor results, and accountability issues. In the fire service, this means the person has the necessary training, experience, authority, and access to the proper tools and procedures to perform the task safely and effectively. If the individual isn’t equipped to handle it, you should either provide the needed training, adjust the assignment, or increase supervision. The other options touch on broader or unrelated aspects, but they don’t guarantee the specific worker’s ability to execute the task.