Assistant Chief Paul Dow brings more than 27 years of experience to the department

McKINNEY, Texas (April 28, 2023) – The City of McKinney has announced that Interim Fire Chief Paul Dow has been named Chief of the McKinney Fire Department following a nationwide search and will be sworn in at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Chief Dow joined the Fire Department in 2022 as Assistant Fire Chief after consulting the city to develop a Fire Officer Training Program and was named Interim Fire Chief on Feb. 1. He brings more than 27 years of fire service experience to the position.

“McKinney is fortunate to have the reputation that attracted top national talent for this position,” said City Manager Paul Grimes. “We are confident that Chief Dow’s wealth of experience, wisdom, and vision will help our Fire Department thrive under his leadership.”

Chief Dow served as the Fire Chief for the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, from 2018 to 2021. In addition to his leadership roles, he worked as an instructor at Collin College in McKinney and Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque. Chief Dow holds a bachelor's degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University and is a designated Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

"It is an honor to serve with the men and women of this outstanding fire department. We have a very bright future ahead of us," said Fire Chief Paul Dow.