History

Learn more about the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office.

In 2022, the NH Division of Fire Safety | NH State Fire Marshal’s Office, celebrated its 75th anniversary.

 

Fire Marshal Aubrey G. Robinson

Aubrey G. , Robinson
1947-1969

The State Fire Marshal’s Office was first formed in October of 1947 under the First State Fire Marshal, Aubrey G. Robinson. The legislature formed the office in the years following the disastrous Coconut Grove Nightclub fire in Boston. The office was staffed by three personnel at that time. Marshal Robinson directed the office until January 31, 1969.

Fire Marshal Herbert Whitney

Herbert Whitney
1969-1975

The Second State Fire Marshal, Herbert Whitney, was appointed in 1969 and served until his death on May 28, 1975. The office had grown to seven personnel by then.

Fire Marshal Raymond Dewhurst

Raymond T. Dewhurst
1975-1983

The Third State Fire Marshal, Raymond T. Dewhurst, was appointed on July 9, 1975 and served until March 31, 1983. At that time, the office was staffed by eight, including the fire marshal, one deputy and six investigators.

Fire Marshal Raymond T. Dewhurst

Thomas Dawson, Ph. D.
1984-1985

The Fourth State Fire Marshal, Thomas W. Dawson, was appointed on January 25, 1984 and served until November 6, 1985.

fire marshal william toland

William Toland
1986-1992

The Fifth State Fire Marshal, William Toland, was appointed on February 12, 1986 and served until July 1, 1992. At that time the office was staffed by thirteen, including the fire marshal, one secretary, one data entry clerk, two deputies and eight fire investigators.

Fire Marshal Donald Bliss

Donald P. Bliss
1992-2003

The sixth State Fire Marshal, Donald P. Bliss, was appointed July 8, 1992 and served until November 3, 2003. At that time the office was staffed by sixteen, including the fire marshal, one secretary, one data entry clerk, two deputies, ten fire investigators and a modular program administrator.

Fire Marshal J. William Degnan

J. William Degnan
2004-2018

The seventh State Fire Marshal, J. William Degnan, was appointed August 18, 2004 and served until 2018. At the time of his appointment the office was staffed with thirteen, including the fire marshal, one secretary, one data entry clerk, two deputies, eight fire investigators, one part time secretary and 10 part time inspectors.

Fire Marshal Paul J. Parisi

Paul J. Parisi
2018-2021

The eighth State Fire Marshal, Paul J. Parisi, was appointed on June 20, 2018 and served until his retirement on May 2, 2021.

Fire Marshal Sean Toomey

Sean P. Toomey
2021-Current

The ninth State Fire Marshal, Sean P. Toomey, was appointed on June 2, 2021. The office currently has over 40 positions, with three bureaus.