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Delton “DC” Carter,
Lake Charles Fire Chief by Angie Kay Dilmore
In honor of Fire Safety Month, we’re featuring Delton “DC” Carter, who was appointed the Fire Chief of the Lake Charles Fire Department in January of this year.
Chief Carter, a Lake Charles native and U.S. Army veteran, has served the Lake Charles Fire Department (LCFD) for over 20 years. He joined the Department in 1999 as a firefighter and served in that role until June 2003, when he became a Fire Service Instructor in the department’s Training Division. In March 2021, he became the Department’s Chief Training Officer and held this position until his appointment as Department Chief. In addition to numerous fire service-related accreditations and completed course work through Louisiana State University and the National Fire Academy, Chief Carter also holds an associate degree in Fire Science, Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration, as well as a Master of Business Administration, all from Columbia Southern University, and graduating with academic honors. He’s a member of Omicron Sigma Sigma, a professional honor society for Homeland Security disciplines, and Omega Nu Lambda, a national academic honor society. Mr. Carter says he lives with his beautiful, loving wife, Margentina, and they have been married for 23 blessed years. Thrive magazine recently caught up with Chief Carter and learned about his life in Lake Charles, his inaugural year in his new role, and his plans for LCFD moving forward.
Tell us about your life growing up in Lake Charles.
I was born and raised on the Northside in the Goosport area. I attended Riverside Elementary, now known as Combre-Fondel, and Ray D. Molo Middle School. As a kid, I played with friends, rode bicycles, and was always playing some form of sport – football, basketball, baseball, swimming, or just foot racing – because I was fast! I remember my childhood as a fun time. I began high school at Marion High School before the merge with Washington High School occurred, and I graduated from THE Lake Charles – Boston High School! I made the choice to join the United States Army after a recruiter visited my high school.
Describe your time in the military.
I originally joined the Army to follow in one of my uncles’ footsteps. I joined as a 19 Delta Cavalry Scout and traveled around the world twice. I’ve been blessed enough to see the world in a way that only a few could talk about. Looking back, I can say that it was the best decision of my life and my time in the service molded me into the man I am today. If given the opportunity to make this decision again I would definitely do it all again.
After nearly a year in your position as Lake Charles Fire Chief, how would you define your role?
My role as the Fire Chief is primarily administrative in nature, but for our Department to be successful I must first be a strong leader. The history of the fire service is a long-standing and proud one. As Chief, I am the person the men and women of the LCFD look to for direction and as an example of how we should conduct ourselves.
What are your primary responsibilities?
I oversee the day-to-day operations of the Department. This includes setting and managing all policy and procedures and working to ensure that all goals and objectives are met for the LCFD. I also take action to correct or improve issues within the Department, including implementing changes necessary to ensure the City maintains its PIAL rating.
Describe an average day on the job.
As the leader of a public safety agency, you never know what the day will bring. This is why I begin each day with a prayer of thankfulness for the many blessings I have been granted. After I arrive at work, my first meeting of the day is with members of the Department to determine if any personnel matters need to be addressed. The rest of the day consists of working with various boards, agencies, City leadership, Fire Department leadership and any other organizations that rely on the professional services provided by LCFD. Open lines of regular communication with a variety of stakeholders are paramount to our successful service to the citizens we serve.
In July, firefighters rightfully protested for higher wages and better staffing. How did the City respond to their concerns?
Even prior to the July protests, meetings were held between City Administration and members of the LCFD. Additional meetings have taken place since and I believe there is good communication right now. Some issues have been resolved. As with any discussion of this nature, I believe some level of comfort or middle ground can be found.
What are your goals for the Department?
We aim to strengthen our Department by boosting employee morale and restoring the familial atmosphere at our stations. We want to enhance and build on that sense of comradery that has been a hallmark of firefighting. From this, we will be able to be a stronger support system for not only our local community today, but for our future generations as well. Our calling is to serve the citizens of Lake Charles in a professional manner and to protect their health, safety, and welfare to the best of our ability.
Describe “Fire Department life.”
Like most public safety callings, Fire Department life is a completely different life from anything else. We work 24-hour shifts, so Fire Department families are used to holidays and important events looking differently, whether that means they are “firehouse holidays,” or they are celebrated later to accommodate the schedule, or celebrated with the family members possibly joining in “virtually.” Our crews become our family. We eat together, sleep together, work together, play together, and everything in between.
How do you spend your free time?
Since becoming the Chief, there is not that much free time, however, since going back to school in recent years and getting my degrees, I like reading things that I can apply towards making myself a better leader. Any other leisure time I have is spent with my wife, family members, and friends.
List the top three things you would like the citizens of Southwest Louisiana to know about fire safety.
1. Fire can be very dangerous and should be respected at all times. 2. Be sure to change your smoke detector batteries twice a year (when you set your clocks in the fall and spring), and make sure they are placed in the most effective position. 3. In the event there is a fire in your home, make sure your family has a plan to get out, stay out, and call 911.
