Grand Prairie names three finalists for fire chief

Grand Prairie has named three finalists in its search for a new fire chief, with residents invited to meet them tonight. The city says the search for Fire Chief Robert Fite’s successor is in its final stage after a nationwide search. Fite is preparing to retire later in 2026, after 14 years of service.

The finalists are James Kubinski, identified by the city as Killeen’s fire chief; Ricardo “Richie” Quintero, who has more than 30 years of experience with the Corpus Christi Fire Department; and Stephan J. Lopez Jr., a longtime Grand Prairie resident and Dallas Fire-Rescue deputy chief with more than 25 years in fire service. The city announced the finalists Oct. 2.

Residents can meet them at a public event Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Grand Prairie Events and Convention Center. The city says the gathering is an opportunity to meet the finalists; it has not identified a successor.