The County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) congratulates and highlights the recent promotions of Assistant Fire Chiefs Khoi Q. Dao and Paul M. Stump on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
This significant milestone in their careers highlights their emergency operations expertise, along with their ability to lead effectively, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their team and the communities they serve.
Assistant Fire Chief Khoi Q. Dao
Assistant Fire Chief Khoi Dao has served the LACoFD for 25 years, following ten years of service at another fire agency. His unwavering support for community safety and outreach, first responder wellbeing, and emergency management has made him an asset to LACoFD leadership. Chief Dao is responsible for Division IV, the largest division in the Department, located in the east region of Los Angeles County. Division IV consists of three battalions, 12 cities, and about 400 personnel. Chief Dao has a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, joined with leadership management certifications, making him a great asset in technical and strategic leadership.
As a lifelong learner, Chief Dao shares a personal philosophy, which has guided his career, with his team to emphasize the importance of lifelong growth, “The day you stop learning about your profession is the day you retire.”
Assistant Fire Chief Paul M. Stump
Assistant Fire Chief Paul Stump also has a reputable background. Known for his quick thinking and experience in emergency operations, Chief Stump’s leadership skills have helped to improve safety operations during his 26 years of service with the LACoFD. Prior to joining the Department, he served the Angeles National Forest Service for four seasons. Chief Stump is responsible for all cities and unincorporated communities in Division IX, consisting of two battalions, 16 fire stations, and over 200 personnel, also in the east region of Los Angeles County.
“I’m honored to have spent the four years serving the Air and Wildland Division as a fire captain and three years as a battalion chief overseeing the Camps section before this promotion,” said Chief Stump. “This experience has shaped my focus on building strong relationships to foster trust with the team, city management, law enforcement, and the community… My priority is to support my dynamic team, ensuring their needs are heard and met.” Earning a bachelor’s degree in fire administration, combined with additional certifications in leadership management, Chief Stump’s education has played a significant role in preparing him to excel as an assistant fire chief.
Congratulations to Assistant Fire Chiefs Dao and Stump on their well-earned promotions!
