Baraka Carter has been appointed as the new fire chief for the Redwood City Fire Department, which also serves San Carlos, City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz announced.
Carter, who brings over 25 years of fire service experience, was selected after a nationwide search for a leader committed to collaboration, community engagement, and innovation.
He previously served as fire chief for CAL FIRE’s Santa Clara Unit, overseeing operations across five counties and managing multi-million-dollar budgets.
“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,” Redwood City Mayor Elmer Martinez Saballos said.
Carter will begin his new role on Feb. 24, where he will lead public education programs, disaster preparedness efforts, and adopt new technologies to enhance emergency response capabilities.
“I am deeply honored to join the Redwood City Fire Department and serve the residents of both Redwood City and San Carlos,” Carter said. “I look forward to building meaningful connections with the community and advancing the department’s tradition of excellence.”