Beaumonter named national fire legend

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  • Shelton
    Shelton
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    Helmet
  • Photo by Jennifer Johnson
    Photo by Jennifer Johnson
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The Fire Museum of Texas recognized Chief C.A. Pete Shelton, of Beaumont, as an inductee of the 2023 National Fire Heritage Center's Hall of Legends, Legacies and Leaders.

The National Fire Heritage Center was established as a non-profit organization by a few fire protection experts in response to a mission charged by the U.S. Fire Administration, to collect, preserve, and provide access to the historical records of the fire service/fire protection disciplines in the United States. One way it achieves its mission is to annually induct fire service leaders into the NFHC Hall of Legends, Legacies and Leaders.

Celebration for the local Legend was held Tuesday, Jan. 3, inside the Fire Museum of Texas, located at 400 Walnut St. in downtown Beaumont. During this event, the museum staff also revealed the museum’s newest exhibit – which is dedicated to Chief Shelton’s legacy.

Shelton’s career started at the age of 18 in 1950. He officially retired in 1996, but Shelton has been a staple for the department, coming back in times of need, in the decades since. The former fire fighter also took time to serve the community on the board of directors for the Port of Beaumont for many years, a host of Port colleagues from his days on dais filling many of the well-wisher seats at the Legend unveiling.

During his time at the fire department, Shelton rose through the ranks – promoted to District Chief in 1960, Deputy Chief in 1962, Assistant Chief in 1966, and Fire Chief in 1976.

“This is an individual that truly, truly cares about this community that he lives in and that he grew up in,” current Fire Chief Earl White said at the Legend unveiling. In fact, White recounted, Shelton was instrumental in the realization of the Texas Fire Museum 40 years ago that calls Beaumont its home, as well as the city’s fleet maintenance department that services fire responder vehicles.

“He’s the type of leader that teaches people and inspires people even when they don’t know, even when he’s not trying,” said fire fighter Cody Hendon, the secretary of the board of commissioners for the Fire Museum of Texas. “He deserves to have his legacy to pass on to all of our future generations.

“His legacy and story as an incredible fire service leader deserves to be displayed in past and future generations. He’s made some very incredible contributions, not just to the fire department in our community, but to the fire service in general.”

Visitors to the Fire Museum of Texas will get the opportunity to view the new Shelton exhibit on display when the museum returns to normal business hours on Feb. 1. The museum is temporarily closed to the public for renovations to displays and collection cataloging.

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