Pope, who was serving as the Concord Fire Chief when nominated for the position, began work immediately after the ceremony.

"Chris Pope will work with state, local and private sector officials to make sure New Hampshire is doing everything possible to prepare for any potential emergency," Gov. Lynch said.

Pope was nominated for the position by Safety Commissioner Dick Flynn, in consultation with Gov. Lynch.

Pope has served as the City of Concord's fire chief and emergency management coordinator since March 2002. As a member of the Concord Fire Department since 1977, he has held a number of positions including firefighter/paramedic, division commander, battalion chief and special projects coordinator.

Pope recently received a master's degree in National Security Studies, with a focus in homeland security and defense, from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He has a bachelor's degree in public safety administration from Granite State College.

Gov. Lynch recently signed House Bill 1697, which creates the position of director of homeland security and emergency management. Under the new law, the commissioner of Safety nominates the director, after consultation with the governor. The director of homeland security and emergency management will serve at the pleasure of the governor.

The director of homeland security and emergency management will oversee state-level planning, exercises and responses to terrorist threats and incidents, as well natural and human-caused disaster. The director shall serve as the state's primary contact with the federal Department of Homeland Security. Under the law, he will coordinate and collaborate with other state agencies to respond to disasters including epidemics and threats to public health.