Grand Prairie, Texas – The city of Grand Prairie confirmed Monday that Jim Kubinski, the current fire chief of Killeen, is the only remaining finalist for the Grand Prairie Fire Department chief position. The city’s announcement follows a recent meet‑and‑greet that featured three candidates – Ricardo Quintero, Stephan Lopez Jr., and Kubinski – before the selection process narrowed to a single choice.
Transition timeline
Kubinski, who was hired by the city of Killeen in December 2020 and began serving the department in early 2021, will officially leave Killeen in mid‑January 2027. He is expected to assume his new role in Grand Prairie on Jan. 25, 2027. The Killeen fire chief’s office highlighted Kubinski’s leadership of the construction of Fire Station No. 4 and the Emergency Operations Center during his tenure.
Career highlights and community impact
During his time in Killeen, Kubinski earned a reputation for steady leadership. Under his guidance the department achieved an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of 1, the highest possible rating for fire‑protection services. In February 2021, when Winter Storm Uri brought snow, ice, and a surge of fires, Kubinski was praised for working alongside his crews in hazardous conditions, ensuring stations remained supplied until supply chains recovered.
Marc Clifford, president of the local International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2505, said, “Throughout the entire ordeal, Chief Kubinski was out in the snow and ice with the guys on shift, responding to all of the fires we had to lend a helping hand, and making sure that all of the stations and personnel had supplies to last until supply chains stabilized.”
Compensation comparison
The move to Grand Prairie represents a notable salary increase for Kubinski. Grand Prairie’s retiring fire chief, Robert Fite, earned between $235,000 and $240,000 annually. Kubinski’s current salary in Killeen ranges from $160,000 to $165,000, indicating a potential raise of more than $70,000 per year with the new appointment.
Local context
Grand Prairie is a Dallas‑area suburb with an estimated population of about 209,000. The city’s fire department serves a growing community and is looking to build on the experience Kubinski brings from his two‑decade career, which began in the Naperville, Illinois fire department.
A spokesperson for the Grand Prairie Fire Department said the city expects to publicly release the final appointment details early next week.
What this means for Grand Prairie residents
Choosing a chief with a proven track record in emergency response and infrastructure development aligns with Grand Prairie’s commitment to public safety and community resilience. Residents can anticipate continued focus on fire‑prevention programs, modernized facilities, and reliable emergency services under Kubinski’s leadership.
As the city prepares for the transition, officials encourage community members to stay informed through upcoming public meetings and city communications.
Original reporting: Grand Prairie local news (OBBM news search) — read the source article.
