Bo Butler
“Firefighters First — Mission Always”
At Heroes and Angels, we believe in celebrating the lives of heroes whose service and sacrifice shape the communities we cherish. Among these extraordinary individuals is Fire Chief Bo Butler, a man whose journey exemplifies leadership, courage, integrity, and unwavering faith. His story speaks to the heart of heroism, and we are proud to honor him with a special run of hats dedicated to his legacy of service to his country, his department, and his family.
Answering the Call of Duty
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, Chief Butler 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.
A Hero’s Journey in the Fire Service
Parallel to his military service, Butler 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 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 Butler’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 became lost and disoriented, with one member running out of air. As Battalion Chief and Shift Commander, Butler acted decisively, putting his own life at risk to save his fellow firefighters. Butler entered the building alone, violating every safety policy, to find his brothers. “Of the many personal and professional achievements I experienced with the Londonderry Fire Department,” Butler reflects, “NONE is more important, nor more meaningful because of what it represents & stands for, than being awarded the Medal of Valor for heroism saving the life of two Londonderry Firefighters.” This singular act of courage speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to his brothers and sisters in the fire service.
A Defining Moment of Integrity
Chief Butler’s leadership journey took a deeply personal and public turn when he faced a moral and professional crossroads as Fire Chief. His decision to step down from his position, 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 Butler’s example reminds us all that true leaders prioritize the well-being of others over personal ambition.
The events leading to Fire Chief Bo Butler’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 Butler stood firm in his belief that maintaining adequate staffing was essential for firefighter and public safety.
In March, voters had approved a warrant article to hire four additional firefighters, 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 public support for expanded staffing, the tension between fiscal constraints and operational readiness came to a head. Rather than compromise safety or his values, Chief Butler made the difficult decision to retire on October 7. Despite the repeated warnings from Town Leadership that his failure to cut staffing and 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, who called for accountability from town leadership.
At an October 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."
In response to public criticism and growing unrest, there was resignation from Town Leadership in October, marking the culmination of a series of events that revealed the difficult and often painful choices faced by leaders in public service. Chief 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
His faith in Jesus Christ has been the cornerstone of his life, guiding his decisions and strengthening his resolve. “My faith in the Lord 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 Butler’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,” Butler shares, reflecting on the profound impact his family has had on his life. The Butlers live on a 25-acre horse farm, affectionately named October Farm, where they embrace a life connected to nature. For Butler, 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 solace after enduring the sacrifices of a life spent in service.
In Butler’s own words, “There is a way of losing, that is finding.” His journey through triumphs, trials, and transformation speaks powerfully to this truth.
A Mission to Support Gold Star Families
Chief Butler’s commitment to service and honor extends beyond his personal story. In partnership with Heroes and Angels, proceeds from the special run of hats honoring his legacy will be donated to Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports Gold Star families and veterans. Founded by Dan Magoon, a veteran and Boston firefighter, this organization is dedicated to honoring the fallen and supporting those left behind.
A Lasting Tribute
At Heroes and Angels, we are privileged to honor Chief Bo Butler’s incredible story with a special run of hats dedicated to his life of service. These hats symbolize more than just a career—they are a tribute to a legacy defined by bravery, faith, and the unwavering pursuit of what is right. Butler’s journey from the battlefield to the fireground, from soldier to Chief of Department, and from public servant to viral figure of integrity is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have when guided by principle and purpose.
The hats we create are not only a mark of respect but also a call to carry forward the values that Butler exemplifies—service, sacrifice, and the courage to lead. His story inspires us all to live with greater purpose, to embrace faith, and to always honor the call to serve. We thank Fire Chief Bo Butler for his immeasurable contributions and are honored to support the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes organization in his name.
