New Hampshire
Perry Plummer returns: Dover hires former fire chief on interim basis. Here’s why.
DOVER — Former Dover fire chief Perry Plummer has been tapped to serve as the city department’s interim leader as current Chief Michael McShane is away on extended family and medical leave, according to the city.
Plummer, a 25-year veteran of the Dover Fire Department, served as the city’s chief from 2002 until 2011. Appointed by City Manager Michael Joyal Jr., Plummer’s 10-week-long interim deal will be up for approval at Wednesday’s City Council meeting.
Plummer, 65, would be paid $2,949.91 by the city for working 39 hours each week, per the terms of his deal. The former chief’s first day back overseeing the station was last Monday, July 15.
“Some days it feels like I never left, and other days it’s like I’ve never been here,” Plummer said of the Dover Fire Department. “But everyone has been fantastic. It’s like coming home for me after all this time.”
Plummer’s second chapter leading Dover fire crews is now his third time leading a New Hampshire municipal fire department on an interim basis. His recent stints with local departments includes a brief stop in Rochester before the city hired Dennis Dube as its chief, in addition to leading the Salem Fire Department for a time.
This instance is different, as Plummer stepped in after the former fire chiefs in Rochester and Salem retired, while McShane will return from his extended leave.
Upon McShane’s return, Plummer will revert back to retirement, a stage of life he admittedly hasn’t fully committed to in recent years.
“Obviously it’s an honor to come in and be able to help the department I love and provide some assistance to Chief McShane and his department,” Plummer said Monday. “It’s an honor to be asked to lead departments of such high quality, whether it’s Dover, Rochester or Salem.”
The interim chief’s new Dover contract notes he won’t be eligible for paid leave or paid time off for holidays, nor will he accrue it, while he is employed by the city.
The Dover resident’s career in the city firefighting force began in 1986. He left the department in 2011 to lead the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services. Plummer in 2012 became the director of the state’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management agency and then worked as assistant commissioner at the state Department of Safety.
Plummer stayed busy after that, helping lead New Hampshire’s efforts to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to residents.
McShane began working with Dover Fire & Rescue in 2005, hired by none other than Plummer. McShane has served as the city’s fire chief and emergency management director since the winter of 2022.
The city’s interim fire chief expects to remain with the Dover department for a few weeks following McShane’s return.
“This is really where I feel most comfortable,” Plummer said.
Plummer’s appointment as interim chief and McShane’s extended leave of absence coincides with the previously-planned retirement of assistant fire chief David Hanna this month, according to the city.
A man was killed Monday in an exchange of gunfire with police in Ashland, New Hampshire, authorities said.
The office of New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said Ashland police stopped a vehicle Monday evening on Main Street. A man in the vehicle, whose name has not been released, allegedly pulled a gun.
Officials said the man shot and wounded one police officer. The man was shot during the confrontation and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The officer is being treated at a hospital for a gunshot injury. No one else was hurt, authorities said.
Formella’s office is investigating the shooting alongside New Hampshire State Police.
The names of the officers involved in the incident will not be shared until interviews are completed, authorities said. The man killed in the shooting will be publicly identified after next of kin are notified and an autopsy is conducted.
No further information was immediately available.
Dover, New Hampshire is finally going to see something go into the old Ames Building, (same plaza as Hannaford) at 833 Central Avenue. It’s not just “something,” it’s a Community space we didn’t know we wanted.
Justin Grondahl is the owner of TRAENE Fitness & Pickleball and he’s opening one here in Dover. He has 63,000 square feet to make beautiful. Justin is the son of the co-founder of Planet Fitness that started right here in Dover, New Hampshire.
Justin spent some time with me here in the Townsquare Studios and told me everything we can expect.
You will not believe what he has in store for this place. It makes me want to move to Dover. (although it’s like my 2nd home – I’m here all. the. time.) Check out what his plans are:
- 10 indoor pickleball courts
- 3,000 Square Foot Classroom for Megaformer Pilates Classes
- 20,000 square feet of just gym equipment
- 2 Cold Plunges
- 3 Saunas, with three floors. Lots of people can fit into them
- Big Locker Rooms
- Red Light Beds
- Massage Chairs
- Massage Beds
- Tanning Booths
TRAENE Recently Added a Peptide Clinic to their Plans
If you are unfamiliar with peptides, they are chains of amino acids that help you heal injuries, build muscles and in some cases, lose weight.
After Justin told me all this, I asked if they will have food and drinks too because it was the only thing I could think of that they didn’t mention! He said, “yes, we’ll have something.”
What’s Up With the Penguin?
When Justin came into the studio, he had a TRAENE branded shirt that included a penguin. When I asked him why a Penguin, he said that it has always been his favorite animal because they are very tied to their Community. They never really leave and they are always together.
READ THIS: 6 Reason’s Why Brown’s Lobster Shack is a NH Seafood Treasure
Justin is already under construction of TRAENE. He said they should be open in the Fall of 2026.
Another incredible perk of being part of the TRAENE community is they are going to pick between 10 – 15 Members of the Month who are going to get rewards like:
- Renting out a race track
- Limo service to Bruins or Celtics games, whichever the member chooses
These trips will be all paid for, all free, Justin said.
New Fitness & Pickeball Center Opening Up in the Fall of 2026 in Dover, NH
As soon as I hear about when TRAENE is opening, I’ll let you know and you and I can get our pickleball team together. Justin did say sometime in the fall, but no specific date.. yet.
8 New Hampshire Restaurants That Closed in January/February 2026
Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna
All Team USA New England Athletes Who Won Medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics
As of Sunday, February 22, 2026, 10 athletes from New England won medals in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna
The New Hampshire Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Sunday, April 19, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 19 drawing
Day: 8-6-2
Evening: 8-8-9
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 19 drawing
Day: 7-6-9-2
Evening: 6-5-8-4
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the New Hampshire Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Pick 3, 4: 1:10 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Megabucks Plus: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a New Hampshire managing editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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