Alexandria Hires New Fire Chief, Robert C. Dubé

Alexandria has a new fire chief. City Manager Rashad M. Young appointed Robert C. Dubé as fire chief for the City of Alexandria, starting June 9, according to a news release from the City.

Dubé will replace Adam K. Thiel, who resigned from the position earlier this year to accept a position in state government.

Dubé has more than 35 years of experience in local, state, federal and international government operations and served as county administrator for Louisa County, Va., where he was responsible for more than 300 personnel and managed a budget of $86 million.  

Before that, he was the fire/EMS chief and emergency services coordinator for Louisa County. Dubé also served as assistant fire chief and emergency manager for the City of Clearwater, Fla., and operations chief and task force leader for Virginia Task Force One, a multifunctional, international search and rescue team. Dubé began his career as a firefighter/EMT for Fairfax County, working his way up to the rank of captain.

Dubé holds a master’s degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and is an Executive Fire Officer graduate of the National Fire Academy. He has won numerous awards, including the Virginia Governor’s Award for Excellence in Fire Service Management, an outstanding performance award from the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and awards for local and international search and rescue work, including the response to the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon.

“Chief Dubé brings a wealth of expertise to the City,” said City Manager Young. “His broad experience in organizations of all sizes, and his work as a firefighter, fire chief, administrator, and emergency manager will help us continue the proud tradition of our exceptional fire department. We also are grateful to Chief Andrew Snead, who provided excellent leadership as interim fire chief during this time of transition.”

The Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 250 professional personnel, which include firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff and administrative support. A network of nine stations protects 15 square miles. Among the department’s specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations and the Special Operations Team.

Alexandria also has a volunteer organization, the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD). The AVFD has served the citizens of our fine City for more than two hundred years. AVFD members provide assistance in the areas of firefighting, emergency medical services, communications, canteen and administration.