Bay Area/ San Jose
AI Assisted Icon
Published on January 24, 2025
Redwood City Welcomes Baraka Carter as New Fire Chief with Over 25 Years of ExperienceSource: City of Redwood City

Redwood City has announced the appointment of a new fire chief, Baraka Carter, whose career spans over two and a half decades in fire services. According to a statement on the city's official website, Carter has an extensive background that includes serving as Fire Chief for the CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit, South Santa Clara County Fire District, and Morgan Hill City Fire Department.

With a demonstrated emergency response and fire prevention capability, Carter is expected to bring innovation and collaborative leadership to the Redwood City Fire Department, which also covers the City of San Carlos. Redwood City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz underscored Carter's alignment with community needs, stating, as per the City of Redwood City, "Chief Carter is a dedicated, accomplished and collaborative leader whose expertise and innovative approach will elevate fire services in both Redwood City and San Carlos." Diaz also emphasized Carter's commitment to "effective community engagement and welcoming community members into the fire service."

In his former roles, Carter managed operations covering more than 1.3 million acres across five counties, and he's known for fostering relationships between state departments, local agencies, and community groups to strengthen services. A strong advocate for employee wellness, health, safety, and community involvement, Carter has also been active in initiatives with organizations such as the National Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.

Upon assuming the role on February 24, Chief Carter will be at the helm of public education programs, disaster preparedness initiatives, and the introduction of new technologies to enhance response effectiveness. In a statement obtained by the city's press release, Carter expressed his anticipation, saying, as cited by the City of Redwood City, "I am deeply honored to join the Redwood City Fire Department and serve the residents of both Redwood City and San Carlos." He is focused on building significant connections with the community and ensuring safety and preparedness are top priorities.