October 24, 2008 - SFD’S CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS RETIRING AFTER NEARLY FOUR DECADES OF SERVICE

Thirty Seven Year of Service to the SFD

Fire Chief Brian A. Crawford has announced the retirement of Willis T. Carter, Chief of Fire Communications Division effective Saturday, November 1, 2008 after thirty-seven (37) years of service to the Shreveport Fire Department. According to Willis, “It is not easy saying ‘farewell.’”

The Shreveport Fire Department will honor Chief Carter on:

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Time: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: Caddo Emergency Communications Center

Willis began his career with SFD as a firefighter in 1972, and after six years he was promoted to the position of Fire Communications Officer I. He held that position until his promotion to Chief of Communications in 1986.

Using his expertise in computer technology, Chief Carter was instrumental in acquiring a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for the Shreveport Fire Department. This state-of-the-art technology is designed to ensure accuracy and efficiency for receiving and managing emergency calls and dispatching them to the appropriate public safety personnel. He has also been credited for improving pay and benefits for dispatchers, relocating/remodeling the communications center, establishing training programs, and assisting the department in maintaining its accreditation status.

“The contributions that Willis brought to the department will be missed. His innovative thinking and affiliation with the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials has been critical to the development of the Shreveport Fire Department’s Communication Division. SFD wishes Chief Willis Carter well!” says Fire Chief Brian Crawford.