City Council Confirms New Police and Fire Chiefs

The Springfield City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to confirm the appointments of new leadership for the city’s police and fire departments. Assistant Fire Chief Nicholas Zummo has been named Fire Chief, and Assistant Police Chief Joseph Behl will serve as the new Police Chief.

The appointments were recommended by Mayor Misty Buscher following the recent retirements of Fire Chief Edward Canny and Police Chief Ken Scarlette.

“These appointments symbolize a bold step in our mission to enhance public safety in Springfield,” Mayor Buscher said. “Assistant Chief Zummo and Assistant Chief Behl have shown extraordinary dedication to this community, and I’m confident they’ll continue to build on the legacies of Chief Canny and Chief Scarlette.”

Along with the new chiefs, Mayor Buscher also announced that Captain Julie Plunk will be promoted to Assistant Fire Chief and Commander Ryan Leach will be promoted to Assistant Police Chief.

Zummo has served 24 years with the Springfield Fire Department and is a retired Master Sergeant with the Illinois National Guard. He has received several awards during his career, including being named Springfield Firefighter of the Year in 2008 and receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 2017.

“I’m honored and humbled by this opportunity to lead the Springfield Fire Department,” Zummo said. “This is a department built on courage, sacrifice, and service. I look forward to working alongside Captain Plunk and the entire SFD team as we continue to adapt, grow, and deliver exceptional service to the community.”

“Serving this city has been the greatest privilege of my life,” said outgoing Fire Chief Edward Canny. “I’ve watched Assistant Chief Zummo and Captain Plunk grow into true leaders — they are passionate, capable, and ready to meet the moment. Springfield is in good hands.”

Behl has more than 18 years of experience with the Springfield Police Department and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. His background includes overseeing major investigations and working on department strategy and operations.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the trust that’s been placed in me,” Behl said. “It’s been an honor to serve alongside the dedicated men and women of this department for the past 18 years, and I carry that experience — and the lessons I’ve learned from this community — into this new role. I’m committed to listening, leading compassionately, and ensuring every resident feels safe, supported, and respected.”

“It has been the honor of my career to lead this department,” said outgoing Police Chief Ken Scarlette. “I couldn’t be more confident in Assistant Chief Behl and Commander Leach. They are strategic leaders with a deep understanding of this community and the challenges we face. I know they will lead with fairness, transparency, and a commitment to excellence.”