Chief Shelly L. Carter served the City of Hartford Fire Department for over 21 years before retiring in May 2021. She then became the Operations and Training Manager/PIO for the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, overseeing statewide emergency response, training, and coordination.

In December 2022, she made history as New England’s first Black female fire chief. She led the Department of Developmental Services Fire and Emergency Services and restructured the department, implementing statewide fire, life safety, and disaster preparedness programs.

Appointed Assistant Fire Chief of Hamden Fire Department in January 2024, she currently oversees administration, fire suppression, EMS, and volunteer coordination.

Committed to developing future leaders, Chief Carter founded Girls Future Firefighter Camp, an interactive program for young women exploring careers in public safety. Now in its ninth year, it remains the first and only camp of its kind in the state. www.girlsfuturefirefightercamp.com.

She holds degrees in journalism, fire administration, and public administration and is pursuing a Doctorate in Critical Infrastructure.