N.H. Republicans mourn death of regional FEMA administrator

The death of Frederick G. Doucette, a former New Hampshire state lawmaker and retired fire lieutenant who began serving last year as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s regional administrator for New England, prompted an outpouring of grief and fond memories Wednesday from his former colleagues.

Read more Trump administration is repurposing federal land for AI data centers

The Salem Fire Department, where Doucette had worked for 25 years, said in a statement that his death occurred on Tuesday. There was no immediate word on the cause. He was 61 years old.

Republican leaders in the New Hampshire House, where Doucette had served as speaker pro tempore before taking the job with FEMA, released a statement expressing condolences to his friends and loved ones.

“His impact on our state, our nation, and his community will never be forgotten,” the chamber’s GOP caucus said.

Scott Maltzie, who chairs the New Hampshire GOP, said in a statement that Doucette will be remembered not only for his work but also for his character.

“He lived a life defined by service, leadership, and love for New Hampshire,” Maltzie said.

Governor Kelly Ayotte called Doucette a friend and said she is saddened by his death.

Read more Sanctions bill would give Trump sweeping new tariff powers

“Fred loved our state and devoted his life to serving the town of Salem, the people of New Hampshire, and our nation,” she said in a statement.

As a political operative, Doucette served as a state-level co-chair for Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns ahead of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation 2016 and 2020 primaries. In the 2024 race, he worked for Vivek Ramaswamy, who ultimately bowed out and endorsed Trump.

Joe Sweeney, a Republican from Salem, N.H., serving as deputy majority leader of the New Hampshire House — one of the titles Doucette once held — released a statement lauding Doucette as a US Navy veteran and longtime member of the Salem Fire Department.

“Fred never forgot where he came from,” Sweeney said. “Whether he was on the House floor in Concord, at the firehouse, or in a federal office in Boston, he was always a Salem guy first. He was direct, loyal, and tough, and he cared deeply about the people he represented.”

A spokesperson for FEMA didn’t respond Wednesday to a request for comment.

Jarrett Devine is serving as acting administrator for FEMA’s Region 1, which covers all six New England states, according to the agency’s website.

Read more With Blanche nomination at stake, payouts to Trump allies continue