Legitimate power is:

Legitimate power refers to the authority that a person possesses within an organization due to their formal position or role. This type of power is recognized and accepted by others as it is rooted in the organizational hierarchy. When someone has legitimate power, their influence is valid and acknowledged, allowing them to make decisions, give directives, and command respect based on their title or position rather than personal characteristics or relationships.

In an organizational context, individuals typically receive this power through promotions, appointments, or as part of the established chain of command. This makes it a critical aspect of leadership, especially in structured environments like firefighting departments where hierarchy plays a significant role in operations and decision-making.

Options suggesting power derived from expertise, public opinion, or personal connections describe other forms of influence that are valid in different contexts but do not constitute legitimate power, which is specifically tied to an individual's official role and the authority granted through that role by the organization.