Chief Shelly L. Carter served for 21+ years in the City of Hartford Fire Department. Chief Carter began her career in July of 1999 as a structural firefighter and was promoted to Driver/ Engineer, Lieutenant/Fire Marshals Office, Executive Officer, House Captain of Engine Company 5, and House Captain of Engine Company 10. Chief Carter retired from Hartford Fire in May of 2021.

After Chief Carter’s retirement, she was named the Operations and Training Manager/PIO for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection within the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The Chief oversaw emergency management operations at the five DEMHS Regional Offices, the State Emergency Operations Center, and the state emergency management and homeland security training and exercise programs. She managed/coordinated emergency response on a 24/7 basis to emergency events across the state and operated as the state’s Multi-Agency Coordinator. She also maintained and sustained federal grant funding by coordinating operations, training, and exercise requirements associated with such federal programs as the Emergency Management Performance Grant and the Homeland Security Grant Program, as well as non-government funding programs such as the Nuclear Safety Emergency Preparedness Program.

Upon stepping away from her position at DEMHS in December 2022, Chief Carter was sworn in as the first Black Female Fire Chief of a department in all the New England States. She became the Institutional Fire Chief for the Department of Developmental Services Fire and Emergency Services. She reconstructed DDS FD and brought fire, life safety, and disaster programs statewide, aligning with the department’s mission to provide a safe environment for the individuals supported by DDS.

Chief Carter’s newest appointment came in January 2024, when she became the assistant fire chief of the Hamden Fire Department. Her current responsibilities include planning, directing, and supervising the department and its personnel in all administration areas, fire suppression and prevention, emergency medical services, and coordinating Volunteer Fire Companies. She assumes responsibility for the department in the temporary absence of the Chief. Inspects personnel, fire stations, equipment, and grounds to ensure compliance with department maintenance, the Occupational, Safety, and Health Administration (OSHA) Act, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. She assists in technical aspects, administrating town and department personnel rules and collective bargaining agreements. She administers and oversees the Hamden Fire Department’s Random Drug Testing Program to ensure compliance with all safety standards.

Chief Carter is known for creating opportunities and developing future leaders in the fire service. The Chief is the Founder and CEO of Girls Future Firefighter Camp. “GFFC” is an interactive camp for girls ages 13-18 that teaches young ladies everything there is to know about careers in public safety. The camp has been in operation for nine years and is the first and only of its kind in the state. www.girlsfuturefirefightercamp.com

Chief Carter is the Connecticut State Representative for the International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services. She currently sits on the International Association of Fire Chiefs Safety and Survival Team board as a trainer for bullying and harassment in the fire and emergency services. She is a member of the Capital Region Fire Marshals Association, International Association of Arson Investigators, International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, Connecticut Instructors Association, CT Career Chiefs, and International Association of Fire Chiefs. She is also a certified trainer for Cultural Bridges to Justice with the Center for Fire, Rescue &EMS Health Research and “United in Service.”

Chief Carter has an associate degree in journalism and communications from Middlesex Community College, a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from Charter Oak State College, and a master’s degree in public administration from Anna Maria College. She is a Dr. Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute graduate and is studying to obtain a Doctorate in Critical Infrastructure.
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Additional information about Chief Shelly Carter can be found at the following Link.

More Info:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chief-shelly-l-carter-bs-mpa-27146021/