Chief Dave Carpenter began his 30-year career with Contra Costa County Fire Protection District working predominantly in Concord, Martinez, and Antioch where he spent 15 years as a Captain, and then promoted to Battalion Chief in charge of the Training Division. He managed the District’s Fire Trail Program for 23 years operating heavy equipment including the District’s first Fire Attack Dozer. Chief Carpenter was awarded Firefighter of the Year and a Commendation Award from the Contra Costa Fire Commission in 2005. In 2008, Chief Carpenter received his Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Canyon University.

Chief Carpenter began his assignment as Cordelia’ s Fire District Fire Chief in 2019, and managed the District staff and Resident (volunteer) Firefighter program until a transition in service delivery became necessary in late 2022. He will continue to service the district as Chief while taking on additional duties in the District transition and in fire prevention. Chief Carpenter is involved with the Green Valley Fire Safe Council, and firmly believes our best fire safety and protection comes from working as a fire safe community.

The Carpenters reside in Green Valley and have two adult sons. One son is a Pleasant Hill physician, and the other is a pilot for United Airlines and former A-10 pilot in the United States Air Force. They are the proud grandparents of five grandchildren.