Born in Columbus and raised in Steubenville, Ohio, David Fulmer began his public-safety career as a cadet with the Pleasant Hill Volunteer Fire Department, eventually rising to Captain. He served 11 years in the United States Army National Guard, holding roles including Single Channel Radio Operator, Motor Transportation Specialist, and Infantryman. David earned an A.A.S. in Fire Protection Technology and a B.S. in Technical Education from the University of Akron, and an M.P.A. from Governors State University. He attended Walden University and completed post-graduate work towards a Ph.D. specializing in Leadership & Organizational Change.

In the mid-1990s David joined the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute as a primary recruit-academy instructor and leader for officer development and annual fire college programs. He later served as Fire Chief in Fitchburg, WI; Miami Township (Miamisburg), OH; and West Licking Joint Fire District, and taught at colleges while participating in state and national fire-service organizations.

In 2014 David transitioned to the private sector and now serves as Regional Service Manager for TIBA Parking Systems (eastern U.S.). Since 2006 he has also operated Fulmer/Shaw Consulting Group (FSCG), providing operational audits, recruitment and retention support, policy development, promotional centers, and executive recruitments for public-safety agencies and government entities.