The County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) has announced the recent promotions of Assistant Fire Chiefs Khoi Q. Dao and Paul M. Stump on 20 May 2025.
The LACoFD has shared how this 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 Dao has served the LACoFD for 25 years, following ten years of service at another fire agency.
The LACoFD explained how his support for community safety and outreach, first responder wellbeing and emergency management has made him an asset to its 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, make him a great asset in technical and strategic leadership.
Chief Dao shares a personal philosophy, which has guided his career, with his team to emphasize the importance of lifelong growth, saying: “The day you stop learning about your profession is the day you retire.”
According to the LACoFD Assistant Fire Chief Paul Stump is 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.
Chief Stump added: “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.
“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.
LACoFD promote Chiefs Khoi Q. Dao and Paul M. Stump to Assistant Fire Chief position on 20 May 2025.
