Mayor Recommends New Fire, Police Chiefs

Mayor Misty Buscher has recommended the promotion of Assistant Fire Chief Nicholas Zummo to Fire Chief and Assistant Police Chief Joseph Behl to Police Chief for the City of Springfield. These promotions are pending approval by the Springfield City Council.

In addition to these recommendations, Mayor Buscher also plans to promote Captain Julie Plunk to Assistant Fire Chief and Commander Ryan Leach to Assistant Police Chief.

“These appointments symbolize a bold step in our mission to enhance public safety in Springfield,” stated Mayor Misty Buscher. “I firmly believe that Chief Scarlette and Chief Canny's leadership will persist in the new leadership team. Assistant Chief Zummo, Captain Plunk, Assistant Chief Behl, and Commander Leach are committed leaders dedicated to serving the citizens of our community as well as the members of our Springfield Fire and Police Departments.”

These leadership changes follow the recent announcements of retirement from Fire Chief Edward Canny and Police Chief Ken Scarlette. Chief Canny, who has served the Springfield Fire Department with distinction, expressed confidence in the department's future leadership. Chief Scarlette, after a dedicated tenure with the Springfield Police Department, also announced his retirement, paving the way for new leadership within the department.

Zummo is a 24-year veteran of the Springfield Fire Department and currently serves as Assistant Chief. He also served for 20 years in the Illinois National Guard, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his career, he has received several commendations, including being named Springfield Firefighter of the Year in 2008 and receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 2017. He has led critical emergency response operations and contributed to initiatives focused on firefighter safety, wellness, and policy development.

“I’m honored and humbled by this opportunity to lead the Springfield Fire Department,” said Zummo. “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.”

On the police side, Assistant Chief Joseph Behl has over 18 years of experience with the Springfield Police Department and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. His career includes leadership of several critical divisions, oversight of major investigations, and a central role in departmental strategy and development.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the trust that’s been placed in me,” said Behl. “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 Chief 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.”