Deputy Fire Marshal Shakira Samuel Named City's 1st Woman NHFD Chief

NEW HAVEN, CT — New Haven's Deputy Fire Marshal and current Acting Fire Marshal Shakira Samuel was appointed as the fire department's Assistant Chief for Administration by the Board of Fire Commissioners Friday virtually.

She is the first woman named fire chief in the department's 162-year history. Of the more than 300 New Haven firefighters, just 17 women serve.

"I'm extremely proud of her," said New Haven Fire Chief John Alston.

Mayor Justin Elicker said the naming of Samuel as the city's first Black female assistant fire chief was a "big moment for New Haven, a great day for New Haven."

Twenty-two years on the job, Samuel, who was a line firefighter for 15 years, was determined to succeed.

"From the very beginning of my career, I knew the journey would be challenging," Samuel said. "The fire service is traditionally dominated by men posed numerous obstacles, however it was the unwavering belief in my purpose and support of my family, colleagues, and community that fueled my determination."