Paul Andrew Stubbs supervises approximately 1,000 firefighters and support staff who operate from 27 fire stations. He was appointed Chief in May 2004 and, through his command staff, continues to oversee the application of technology to the department’s firefighting, medical, rescue, inspection, and investigation programs.

Chief Stubbs has been a member of the Division since 1977, when he joined as a firefighter. He has risen through the ranks successively serving as Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Chief of Operations, Executive Officer, and Chief of Staff for the Division. His experience in the fire suppression field is broad and includes firefighting, supervision at fire scenes, personnel management, facility management, public relations, project management, development of operating procedures and personnel policies, and labor relations.

Having attended the National Fire Academy, Chief Stubbs gained certification as a Health and Safety Officer and in the analysis of and chemistry of hazardous materials. He attended the Ohio Fire Academy, where he was certified as a hazardous materials technician and in incident command techniques. Chief Stubbs has further certification from the state of Ohio Department of Public Safety Emergency Operations Center and from Cleveland State University in the advanced response to hazardous materials; from Dillard University (New Orleans) in fire service management; and from Cuyahoga Community College as a fire officer.

Chief Stubbs is an active member of many firefighting organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Black Professionals Firefighters, the Black Chief Officers Committee, and Vanguards of Cleveland.

Married with six children, Chief Stubbs is a resident of the Millcreek Development.