Virginia Department of Fire Programs announces new deputy director

RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) -- The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) announced Monday, Jan. 13 the appointment of its new Deputy Director.

According to a press release, Robert Dubé. Dubé joins VDFP with over four decades of experience in firefighting and emergency management.

Dubé last served as the fire chief of the Alexandria Fire Department, where he retired in July 2019.

As an operations chief and task force leader for Virginia Task Force One’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, Dubé responded to local and international crises such as the attack on the Pentagon during 9/11, and disasters in Kenya, Turkey, Taiwan, and Iran.

According to the release, Dubé also served as an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy and FEMA, where he taught emergency management and specialty rescue courses.

“Deputy Director Dubé brings to VDFP a unique perspective as a former county government administrator, fire officer, and first responder. He understands what I call the ’20,000 foot view’ of leadership, yet will infuse his skills in planning and mitigation into our business operations,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “We are ready to add his expertise to the mix of leadership here at VDFP.”

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.