[Archived] Robert C. Dubé Named Alexandria Fire Chief

For Immediate Release: May 16, 2014 

City Manager Rashad M. Young has appointed Robert C. Dubé as fire chief for the City of Alexandria, effective June 9. Chief Dubé replaces Adam K. Thiel, who resigned from the position earlier this year to accept a position in state government.

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

Chief 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.”