posted on 1/20/2026
Fire Chief Perry Plummer has announced his retirement from Dover Fire & Rescue, concluding a distinguished 40-year career in public safety. His service includes more than 26 years with Dover Fire & Rescue, interspersed with nearly 10 years with the New Hampshire Department of Safety.
Plummer began his fire service career with Dover Fire & Rescue in 1986, rising through the ranks and developing a leadership style grounded in professionalism, accountability and service. His early years in Dover laid the foundation for a career that ultimately spanned local, state, national and international public safety leadership.
Beyond Dover, Plummer served as director of the New Hampshire Fire Academy, where he significantly expanded statewide fire and rescue training, increasing annual training delivery by tens of thousands of hours and strengthening professional development across New Hampshire.
He later served two governors as director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the state of New Hampshire. During that tenure, he also held numerous prominent national leadership roles, including:
- National chair, Homeland Security Advisory Council, National Governors Association
- United States co-chair, International Emergency Management Group
- Chair, Governor’s Task Force on School Safety and Security
- Tri-chair, National Homeland Security Business/Government Consortium, National Emergency Management Association
- Liaison to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for two governors
Plummer was subsequently promoted to assistant commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Public Safety, becoming one of the state’s senior public safety officials. In that role, he provided executive-level leadership and oversight across multiple public safety disciplines and statewide initiatives.
Following his state service, Plummer served as vice president for disaster solutions and public safety for The Gigunda Group. At the request of Gov. Chris Sununu, he left the private sector to return to state service and lead New Hampshire’s COVID-19 response, which was recognized as one of the most effective responses in the country.
Throughout his career, Plummer has been a sought-after public safety consultant, mentoring fire chiefs throughout New England and serving as interim fire chief for the city of Rochester and the town of Salem. He also served as executive director of the Seacoast Fire Chiefs Association, strengthening regional collaboration and leadership development.
Most recently, Plummer returned to Dover Fire & Rescue to serve as fire chief during a critical period of transition. During that time, he focused on stabilizing department operations, strengthening leadership accountability, advancing long-term fleet and capital planning, improving working conditions, and positioning the department for sustainable success.
Over the course of his career, Plummer received awards and recognition in every position he held, reflecting the respect he earned across local, state and national public safety communities.
“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the City of Dover and the fire service,” said Plummer. “Returning to Dover to help guide the department during an important chapter has been deeply meaningful. I am proud of this organization, its outstanding people, and the foundation laid for the future.”
City officials praised Plummer’s leadership and lifelong service.
“I have had the opportunity to witness and work alongside Chief Plummer throughout his fire service career here in Dover and during his tenure with the NH Department of Safety,” said City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. “Dover and the entire State of NH have been well served by his dedication and leadership as a public safety professional. I have no doubt that he has made a lasting and positive impact not only here in Dover but across the State of NH and beyond.
