Rockingham Times

Former New Hampshire Department of Safety Commissioner Richard Flynn, the man who led the state agency for more than three decades, has died at the age of 93.

Flynn was the longest-serving Department of Safety Commissioner in the state's history.

"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 New Hampshire Department of Safety," Gov. Chris Sununu (R) wrote in a Dec. 22 tweet. "A friend to all the Sununus, our thoughts are with his family."

Flynn helped grow the Department of Safety in his 35 years as commissioner, WMUR9 reported. Under his leadership, the agency expanded from just three divisions to eight and added the divisions of emergency communications, fire service, administration, fire standards and training, emergency medical services and emergency management.

Prior to his time at the Department of Safety, Flynn was part of the Dover Police Department, where he worked his way up the ranks from patrolman to chief of police.

Flynn served five years on the Adult Parole Board from 2011 to 2016, following his retirement from the Department of Safety.