A national search for Grand Prairie’s next fire chief has narrowed to three finalists, including Killeen Fire Chief James Kubinski.
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — With Grand Prairie Fire Department Fire Chief Robert Fite set to retire near the end of 2026, city leaders have announced the search for his replacement has narrowed to three finalists.
The city said it launched a national search and has entered the final stage of hiring. The public is invited to meet the three finalists — James Kubinski of Killeen Fire Department, Ricardo “Richie” Quintero of Corpus Christi Fire Department and Stephen J. Lopez Jr. of Dallas Fire-Rescue — during a community meet-and-greet on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
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Who are the finalists?
Kubinski has been a firefighter for nearly 30 years, including 21 with the Naperville Fire Department in Illinois. There, he rose to become EMS division bureau chief.
As Killeen’s fire chief, Kubinski leads emergency operations, management and preparedness, community risk reduction, and strategic and capital planning. Under his leadership, the department has become nationally recognized, possessing an ISO Class 1 rating and American Heart Association Gold Plus recognition.
The department has also expanded its staffing, resources and programs.
Kubinski earned his Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science from Joliet Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Benedictine University. His list of certifications includes chief fire officer designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Illinois chief fire officer certification, paramedic and firefighter certifications from Illinois State, FEMA incident management certifications, and Texas basic firefighter and head of department certifications.
He also serves as treasurer of the Bell County Fire Chiefs Association.
Ricardo “Richie” Quintero
Quintero eyes Central Texas after 30 years with Corpus Christi, where he served in every role, according to the City of Grand Prairie.
In Corpus Christi, Quintero managed more than 450 personnel and oversaw operating and capital budgets. He has experience leading large-scale emergency efforts and multi-agency responses. He launched community initiatives such as hurricane- and tornado-resistant community safe rooms and a high school fire academy program, as well as efforts to strengthen paramedic recruitment and training.
The city said Quintero emphasizes humility, visibility, authenticity, employee development and building trust with both the workforce and the community.
Quintero holds an MBA in Data Analytics and a BBA in Management from the University of the Incarnate Word, along with an AAS in Fire Science from Del Mar College. His professional credentials include Master Structural Firefighter, Licensed Paramedic, Fire Instructor II and multiple position-specific NIMS certifications. He is a member of IAFC, IAEM, GFOA, ICMA, IAFF and regional fire chief associations.
Lopez Jr.’s resume spans more than 25 years of service with Dallas Fire-Rescue, where he currently leads the department’s Special Operations Division. Under his supervision, the division handles several programs, including hazardous materials response, urban search and rescue, swiftwater rescue, aircraft rescue and firefighting, wildland firefighting, and marine operations.
Lopez Jr. has been a leader across special operations, training and fleet, safety, and data and analytics teams. He was critical in Dallas-Fort Worth’s response to COVID-19, including directing the Dallas County mass vaccination site and supporting FEMA-coordinated medical operations.
Experienced in crisis response, Lopez Jr. served as a task force leader with Texas Task Force 2, a Type I Urban Search and Rescue team. The city said his leadership approach emphasizes innovation, organizational culture, professional development, and using research and data to strengthen public safety operations and better serve the community.
Lopez Jr. has garnered an extensive education. He possesses five degrees, including a Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Emergency Management Administration from West Texas A&M University, where he graduated summa cum laude.
He is also pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas.
He is credentialed as an Executive Fire Officer (EFO), Chief Training Officer (CTO), Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCEO), and is a graduate of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program.