Bo Butler

Born on September 13, 1983, in Londonderry, New Hampshire, Bo Butler grew up with a profound sense of duty to serve others. His calling led him first into military service, where he joined the United States Army in September 2002. Over the next eight years, he embodied the highest ideals of patriotism, honor, and sacrifice, serving his nation during Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of the Global War on Terrorism. Reflecting on his military career, Bo shares that these experiences formed the foundation of his character, instilling in him the values of resilience, courage, and loyalty that would guide him for years to come.

Parallel to his military service, Bo began what would become a storied career in the fire service when he joined the Londonderry Fire Department in July 2002. Over more than 22 years, he rose through the ranks, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and his community alike.

His rise to the rank of Chief of Department on September 11, 2023, was especially significant. For Chief Bo Butler, dates carry profound significance. On the one-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks (September 11, 2002), he raised his right hand and swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. Exactly 21 years later (September 11, 2023), he was sworn in as Chief of Department. These moments, deeply tied to his sense of duty and honor, reflect a career shaped by courage, commitment, and an unbreakable bond to the values of service and sacrifice.

Chief Bo’s career is marked by numerous achievements, but none more significant than the moment of heroism for which he was awarded the Medal of Valor. On July 27, 2022, a four-alarm fire in a neighboring community endangered the lives of two firefighters. While searching for life on the third floor of a burning medical office building, the two firefighters (a Lieutenant & Probationary Firefighter) became lost and disoriented, with one member running out of air. As Battalion Chief and Shift Commander at the time, Bo acted decisively, putting his own life at risk to save his fellow firefighters. Freelancing his way to his members, Bo entered the fire building alone, violating every safety policy, to find his brothers. “Of the many personal and professional achievements I experienced with the Londonderry Fire Department,” Bo reflects, “None is more important, nor more meaningful because of what it represents & stands for, than being awarded the Medal of Valor for saving the life of two of my brothers.” This singular act of courage speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to his brothers and sisters in the Fire Service.

Chief Bo’s journey took a deeply personal and public turn when he faced a “moral and ethical dilemma of the first order”: come in under budget by way of cutting staffing levels or put his firefighters & community first by refusing to do so.

His decision to step down from his post, a choice grounded in integrity and a profound sense of responsibility to his department and the citizens of Londonderry, became a defining moment of his career. A video of his heartfelt resignation went viral, capturing the profound respect and admiration he earned by standing up for what was right. This act of humility, courage, and principle exemplifies the essence of servant leadership. Chief Bo’s example reminds us all that true leaders prioritize the well-being of others over personal ambition.

The events leading to Fire Chief Bo’s resignation in Londonderry, New Hampshire, are a story of leadership, integrity, and sacrifice. The town faced escalating budget concerns, particularly with overtime pay. This led to pressure on Chief Butler to cut staffing levels in order to come in under budget, even though the citizens of Londonderry gave the mandate to Town Leadership for 13 firefighters across the four Battalions. Despite warnings from Town Leadership that failure to come in under budget by reducing staffing would lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, Chief Bo Butler stood firm in his belief that maintaining adequate staffing was essential for firefighter and public safety.

In March of 2024, voters had approved a Warrant Article to hire four additional firefighters at 70% of the vote, allocating $495,000 to increase the department’s shift size to 13 firefighters—an effort to improve safety for crews responding to emergencies. However, even with overwhelming public support for increased staffing, the tension between fiscal constraints and operational readiness came to a head. Rather than compromise safety or his values, Chief Bo Butler made the difficult decision to retire on October 7. Despite repeated warnings from Town Leadership that his failure to cut staffing in order to stay within budget would lead to disciplinary action or even termination, Chief Bo Butler stood unwavering in his belief that adequate staffing was essential for the safety of both firefighters and the public. His decision to resign rather than compromise on safety was a direct reflection of his deeply held values and his personal mantra, “Firefighters First — Mission Always.” By stepping down, he demonstrated that true leadership often means making sacrifices to uphold integrity, protect lives, and remain faithful to the principles that define the Fire Service. His resignation sparked an outpouring of support from the community and fellow firefighters from across the nation, who called for accountability from Town Leadership.

At an October 2024 Town Council meeting, residents and members of Local 3160, the Londonderry Firefighters Union, demanded answers about Butler’s resignation and called for the resignation of Town Leadership as well. One resident captured the sentiment of many, stating, "We sacrificed this young man, that’s what we did. We look terrible and everybody should be ashamed that he had to make the decision that he made on behalf of his members and on behalf of the residents in this community."

Shortly after Chief Bo’s resignation, the Town Manager also resigned, in part, due to public criticism and growing unrest, marking the culmination of a series of events that revealed the difficult and often painful choices faced by leaders in public service. Chief Bo Butler’s story is one of courage, dedication, and the true cost of putting safety and integrity above all else.

A Foundation Built on Faith

Chief Bo is a man of faith. That faith has been the cornerstone of his life, guiding his decisions and strengthening his resolve. “My faith in the Creator gives me the courage to lead and the strength to stand firm,” Butler shares. His unwavering belief in God’s plan has been a source of hope and determination through the most challenging moments of his life and career. His faith-driven leadership is a beacon of light in a world where such convictions are rare and powerful.

The Strength of Family

The backbone of Chief Bo’s journey is his family—his unwavering source of strength and love. His wife, Amanda, has been his partner in every step of his heroic life, providing the support that enables his leadership. Together, they are raising five children: Summer, Sawyer, Saylor, Sullivan, and Bo. Notably, his son, Bo, is the fifth to carry the proud family name.

“My children and bride have saved my life in ways they’ll never know,” Bo shares, reflecting on the profound impact his family has had on his life. The Butler Clan live on a 25-acre horse farm, affectionately named October Farm, where they embrace a life connected to nature. For Bo, October Farm is not just a home—it is a sanctuary. “It’s where I find peace and work to heal my ‘Soldier’s Heart’ after a lifetime of trauma,” he explains. The farm represents a journey of healing, growth, and the beauty of finding peace after enduring the sacrifices of a life spent in service.

In Bo’s own words, “Every time a man is unwilling to stand for the truth, he allows the world to walk one more step into darkness. There is a way of losing, that is finding.”

His journey through triumphs, trials, and transformation speaks powerfully to this truth.