posted on 1/30/2026
Dover Fire Chief Perry Plummer was honored by the City Council this week with a formal proclamation and a ceremonial key to the city in recognition of his decades of public service and leadership in public safety.
Mayor Dennis Shanahan presented the proclamation and key during the Jan. 28 City Council meeting, citing Plummer’s 40-year career in fire service and emergency management at the local, state, national and international levels. Plummer began his career with Dover Fire and Rescue in 1986, a foundation that, according to the proclamation, led to “unwavering professionalism, accountability and dedication to the citizens of Dover” and a career marked by expanded training, emergency preparedness and public safety leadership.
The proclamation highlighted Plummer’s service as director of the New Hampshire Fire Academy, where he helped expand statewide fire and rescue training, as well as his leadership under two governors as director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. It also recognized his role as assistant commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Public Safety and his return to Dover to serve as fire chief, where he strengthened department leadership and long-term planning.
“The City of Dover is grateful for Chief Plummer’s decades of exemplary service, outstanding leadership, and steadfast commitment to public safety,” Shanahan said as he presented the proclamation and key.
In accepting the honor, Plummer emphasized that the recognition extended beyond him.
“I’ve always believed what Ben Franklin said is true — the first responsibility of government is public safety,” Plummer said. “This recognition isn’t about me. It belongs to the outstanding firefighters of Dover Fire Rescue. Their professionalism, dedication and service to this community is unmatched.”
He also thanked Dover residents for their long-standing support, calling it essential to the work of public safety professionals.
Plummer recently announced his retirement, concluding a career that included more than 26 years with Dover Fire and Rescue and nearly a decade with the New Hampshire Department of Safety, along with leadership roles during the state’s COVID-19 response and service as a mentor and consultant across New England.
Fire Chief Perry Plummer, center, at podium, receives a standing ovation from those in attendance in Council Chambers at City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Plummer was presented with a proclamation and key to the city.