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Fire Chief C.A. “Pete” Shelton
(1932-2024)
by Kay L. Goodwyn, President/CEO
I was 20 years old when I walked into the Beaumont (TX) Central Fire Station to interview for an administrative job. I had actually applied with the City of Beaumont – and it just so happened the available opening was for Fire Chief C. A. Shelton and the Beaumont Fire Department. Fortunately, I was selected for the job, and as they say, “The rest is history.”
Soon, Chief Shelton became my “forever boss” and lifelong mentor. He was everything you think of in a Fire Chief – he was a big man with a very commanding presence. And, when it came to the fire department and his beloved City of Beaumont, he was very serious and all business. He was tough, no doubt about it. And he wanted things (every-thing!) done right; and, of course, done immediately. He set the standards high for himself and everybody else within the department he loved so deeply.
Chief was also very hands-on and involved in every aspect of the department – nothing missed his careful inspection. I saw how stressful his job was as the leader of a 240+ person department. And he lived it 24 hours a day. I watched him make many tough calls from that big desk as well as from the fire ground during a major emergency. But he always wanted to do the right thing in the right way, no matter what the task.
During my first couple of years at the BFD, I fell in love with the fire service. I wanted to know everything about it – and Chief expected me to as well. My dad had been in the U.S. Forest Service, so I remembered when he had to occasionally go out to fires in the Piney Woods of Deep East Texas – and I especially remember the Smokey Bear coloring books he brought home! There has been a long appreciation in my life for emergency responders.
Chief Shelton gave me every opportunity to work with the various divisions within the department – and I loved it all.! A few years into my employment, Chief knew I wanted to do more… Yes, I wanted to try out for the Fire Academy. While he was not crazy about idea, he supported me and encouraged me along the way. I studied for the Civil Service exam while preparing for the dreaded physical agility test seven days a week. I had never worked so hard. I came in second on the written exam and completed all of the agility test except the darn pull ups – and you were allowed to miss two of the segments and still pass the test. So, with advice from a local female police officer, I learned how to scale a six-foot wall – it just took a special technique and lots of bruises.
Because I had worked with most of the firefighters and staff at the fire department for several years, I had the support of most of them. In fact, some of the older guys would volunteer to work with me in learning how to drive the older fire trucks that were out at the Training Center. So many people helped me – and I will never forget them.
Then, in the freezing cold of January 1976, Chief Shelton welcomed me to the Beaumont Fire Academy. It was at the BFD Training Center where I attended with 25 other rookies from surrounding fire departments (Beaumont, Port Arthur, Nederland, etc.). I didn’t know any of them, so it was quite interesting, and I definitely have many, many stories to tell. Three months later most of the group graduated from the academy as the best of friends. But, no doubt, those guys nearly drove me crazy – and we were together seven days a week!
For eight years, I enjoyed my time at the BFD and working for Chief Shelton – he afforded me so many opportunities to learn and grow. He and others taught me about writing detailed specifications for purchasing everything from 5-inch fire hose to 100-ft. aerial trucks. And, yes, getting a new fire truck was a big day, for sure. I think the most trucks we had delivered at one time was three, but it was quite a task getting them outfitted right down to the “gold leaf” numbering on the doors. Chief was strict to uphold the traditions of the fire service while always progressing, always advancing and being the best at everything we did.
Chief was instrumental in making the BFD and its Fire Training Center one of the best in the country. He was relentless when it came to budget time – and he never thought about backing down – whether it was facing the city manager or the mayor! Again, he made sure we were always growing and progressing.
During the years, we conducted numerous regional fire academies at our Training Center and there was also a large fire school each year with hundreds of people – Chief was in his glory! And he never failed to help outfit a small volunteer group if they were short on their gear. He really loved helping people – especially those that loved the fire service like he did.
Chief Shelton was so good to me; however, we did butt heads over one major topic…Angel, the dalmatian fire dog. I had always been an animal nut and insisted Angel have the best in medical care and accommodations. Chief did not share my animal craziness, so it really put him to the test at times. Then Angel got so fond of me that she would not leave my side – from leaping into the jump-seat on the engine with me when we made a run to strutting into the Chief’s office completely unannounced. In fact, she would scratch the paint from Chief’s office door if I happened to go in there without her. Angel, ironic name, was always getting into trouble. Because we worked at the downtown fire station, there were numerous people walking by on their way to lunch. More than once, Angel stole a brown lunch bag right out of a stranger’s hands. She was reported to the Fire Chief multiple times – and more complaints came in weekly about MY dog!
When I left the BFD to move to Baton Rouge, it was a very sad day. But Chief was understanding and wished me all the best. My next challenge was just ahead – I had never owned or operated a business, although I was excited about the new little company called Roco Rescue. For the next 40 years, Chief Shelton and I remained in contact. He has always been a guiding force in my life. I remain committed to his goals of excellence and being the best possible. I truly believe his mentorship has had much to do with the success I’ve enjoyed in business and in life. He will never be forgotten. Here’s to you, Chief.
