Department of Safety Mourns the Passing of Richard M. Flynn

Concord, NH – The Department of Safety mourns the passing of former Commissioner Richard M. Flynn. Commissioner Flynn served more than 35 years as the commissioner of the Department of Safety and notably, the longest serving commissioner of the Department.

Commissioner Flynn was well-known throughout state government and the law enforcement community. He was an expert in building and maintaining relationships with the legislators, governors, and stakeholders. He always found time to listen to people and any problems presented, and was unparalleled in finding solutions. Though modest in his demeanor, he was highly influential in growing the Department of Safety in personnel, buildings, and equipment to better serve the citizens of New Hampshire.

Under his leadership, the Department of Safety grew from three divisions (State Police, Motor Vehicles and Safety Services) to eight, adding the Divisions of Emergency Communications; Fire Service; Administration; Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services; and Emergency Management. Today, the men and women of the Department of Safety, as do the citizens of this great state, benefit from the efforts, vision and dedicated work of Commissioner Flynn.

Commissioner Flynn was the consummate public servant in law enforcement. Prior to his appointment as commissioner of the Department of Safety, Commissioner Flynn served the City of Dover for 23 years at the police department, rising through the ranks as a patrolman to eventually the chief of police. Upon retiring with the Department of Safety, Commissioner Flynn continued his dedication to the citizens of New Hampshire by serving on the Adult Parole Board from 2011 to 2016.

On a national level, Commissioner Flynn was recognized and respected within the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, and other professional organizations and ensured that New Hampshire was well represented.

Governor Christopher Sununu offers the following:

"Saddened by the passing of Dick Flynn, of Dover, who gave so much to his community and the state through a career in law enforcement and service as commissioner of the NH Department of Safety. A friend to all the Sununus, and our thoughts are with his family."

On behalf of the men and women at the Department of Safety, past and present, Commissioner Quinn offers heartfelt condolences to the family of Commissioner Flynn.