DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services: Dennis Rubin

Dennis L. Rubin is the Chief of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department for the District of Columbia. He was named as Mayor Adrian Fenty’s top choice to head the agency in March 2007. Chief Rubin is now responsible for the management and supervision of more than 2000 employees and an annual operating budget in excess of $170 million. The resident population of Washington D.C is approximately 600,000, but the influx of federal workers and tourists can expand the daily population to 1.5 million. The agency is the nation’s first responder, responsible for safeguarding the US Capitol, the White House, and other precious landmarks, schools, businesses and homes.

Prior to his nomination, Mr. Rubin was Chief of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, which has 1150 employees and a yearly operational budget exceeding $88 million. The City of Atlanta is the “Heart of the South” and is an international center for trade, commerce as well as tourism.

Chief Rubin’s experience in fire and rescue service spans more than 35 years. He has been a line firefighter, company grade officer and command level officer in several major fire departments including Washington, DC and Norfolk, Virginia. In 1994, he served as the President of the State Fire Chiefs Association of Virginia. Mr. Rubin was the host Fire Chief for the 1999 Southeastern Fire Chiefs Association conference held in Dothan, Alabama. He serves on several committees with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, including a two-year term as the Health and Safety Committee Chair. Chief Rubin was the host Fire Chief for the “Wingspread IV and V” conferences held in 1996 and 2006.