Redwood City welcomes Baraka Carter to lead its fire services and emergency response
Redwood City, California – The City of Redwood City is thrilled to welcome Baraka Carter as the next Fire Chief of the Redwood City Fire Department in what appears to be a significant development for local emergency services. City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz made the news after earlier this month following an extensive national search for a leader with a solid background in community involvement and teamwork.
Having over two decades of expertise in fire management and emergency services, most recently serving as the Fire Chief for the CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit, South Santa Clara County Fire District, and Morgan Hill City Fire Department, Chief Carter arrives to Redwood City. His career stands out for his dedication to excellence in fire safety, emergency response, and leadership—especially in places that interface urban and wildland ecosystems.
“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,” said Melissa Stevenson Diaz, City Manager of Redwood City, in a news release.
“His proven 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 particularly appreciate his track record in effective community engagement and welcoming community members into the fire service.”
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Carter oversaw significant operations spanning more than 1.3 million acres and guided an extensive workforce through challenging budget control and emergency responses while working for CAL FIRE. His efforts have always concentrated on improving service delivery through strengthened partnerships among several state agencies, local agencies, and community groups, thus guaranteeing inclusiveness and responsiveness.
Apart from his official responsibilities, Chief Carter is quite interested in projects rooted in communities. Focusing on fairness and public involvement in safety services, he actively collaboratively works with groups such the NAACP and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. These positions highlight his dedication to provide local communities a major say in public safety discussions and program planning.
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As the head of Redwood City Fire Department, Chief Carter will supervise several important tasks including public education, disaster readiness, and sophisticated technology integration to improve emergency response. To meet the rising demands of Redwood City and San Carlos, he wants to keep close relationships with regional stakeholders.
“I am deeply honored to join the Redwood City Fire Department and serve the residents of both 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 advancing the department’s tradition of excellence.”
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Chief Carter is a Type 1 Incident Commander with numerous certifications including Chief Fire Officer and Hazardous Materials Specialist. Having completed his Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, he additionally had a major impact on statewide emergency medical services regulations by serving on the Statewide Emergency Medical Services Committee.
Chief Carter’s tenure will officially begin on February 24, 2025. Redwood City residents and stakeholders are encouraged to communicate with him when he assumes his new post; future opportunities for contact will be posted on the department’s website.
Under this new leadership, the Redwood City Fire Department expects to be guided toward a safer and more prepared future through a continuous tradition of quality and improved service to the community.
