City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz announced Baraka Carter as the new head of the Redwood City Fire Department, which also provides fire services to the city of San Carlos.
The city council said Chief Carter, who begins his duties on Feb. 24, was selected after a rigorous national recruiting process “that sought a proven leader who values collaboration and community engagement and who could effectively guide the department into the future.”
Chief Carter joins Redwood City with more than 25 years of fire service experience, having most recently served as Fire Chief for the Santa Clara CAL FIRE Unit, the South Santa Clara County Fire District and the City of Morgan Hill Fire Department.
“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated excellence in emergency response, fire prevention and organizational leadership. He has served and protected communities and residents living in and near urban and forested areas,” the city said.
Stevenson Diaz said Chief Carter is a dedicated, competent and collaborative leader whose experience and innovative approach will raise the bar for fire services in both Redwood City and San Carlos.
“His demonstrated ability to build strong teams, foster community trust and lead with integrity will be invaluable as we continue our commitment to public safety and service excellence. I especially appreciate his track record of effective community engagement and welcoming community members into the fire service,” he said.
Carter is actively involved in community-focused initiatives, including her work with the National Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and other grassroots organizations dedicated to equity and public service.
As Fire Chief, Carter will lead a dedicated team of firefighters and emergency personnel, overseeing critical initiatives such as public education programs, disaster preparedness, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance response capabilities. He will also focus on fostering strong relationships with regional partners and stakeholders to enhance the department’s ability to serve the evolving needs of Redwood City and San Carlos.
“It is a great honor for me to join the Redwood City Fire Department and serve the residents of Redwood City and San Carlos,” said Chief Carter. “I look forward to building meaningful connections with the community, working collaboratively to ensure safety and preparedness, and furthering the department’s tradition of excellence.”
Chief Carter is a certified fire officer, a Type 1 Incident Commander, and a Hazardous Materials Specialist. He is nearing completion of his Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration and has served on several state committees, including the State Committee on Emergency Medical Services, where he contributed to the development of statewide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) policies and practices. Additionally, he is a certified instructor in multiple fire and safety disciplines.
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