DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has named Melvin K. Carter as chief of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, promoting a 26-year department veteran and lifelong county resident to lead the agency.
Carter has more than two decades of fire service experience in fire suppression, emergency medical services, training, fiscal administration, recruitment and retention, and strategic planning, according to a county release. He previously served as deputy chief of operations, deputy chief of training and professional services, and deputy chief of fiscal and support services.
“Chief Carter represents the very best of DeKalb County, homegrown talent, proven leadership and an unwavering commitment to service,” Cochran-Johnson said. “For 26 years, he has dedicated his career to protecting the community that raised him while preparing the next generation of firefighters and leaders to carry that mission forward.”
Carter, a DeKalb County native and graduate of Cedar Grove High School, has overseen initiatives in operational readiness, workforce development, succession planning and continuous improvement during his career. He also has experience in fleet and facilities management, emergency medical services system oversight, personnel readiness and organizational strategy.
“It is an incredible honor to serve as fire chief in the community where I was born, raised and have dedicated my career,” Carter said in the release. “DeKalb County Fire Rescue is made stronger every day by the extraordinary men and women who answer the call to serve. As chief, my focus will be on ensuring they have the leadership, training, resources and support necessary to protect our residents at the highest level.”
Carter holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership, a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership with a concentration in occupational safety and health, and an associate degree in fire science technology.
He is a credentialed chief fire officer and a graduate of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute, Leadership DeKalb and the Bright Future Leadership Development Program. He also serves on the Georgia Trauma Task Force Board of Directors and is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
