McKinney officials name Paul Dow fire chief

City officials named Paul Dow the new McKinney Fire Department chief after a nationwide search to fill the position, the city announced April 28.

Dow has served as interim fire chief since Feb. 1 following former fire chief Danny Kistner’s retirement in January. Dow brings more than 27 years of experience in fire services to the department, according to an April 28 city news release. He will be sworn in May 2 during the McKinney City Council meeting.

Dow joined the McKinney Fire Department as assistant fire chief in 2022 following his time as a consultant for the city to develop the Fire Officer Training Program, according to a news release. He previously served as fire chief in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from 2018 to 2021.

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

Dow is a designated chief fire officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from Columbia Southern University. Dow has also worked as an instructor at Collin College, as well as Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, according to a news release.

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