1st Black Woman Appointed Tampa Fire Chief

TAMPA, FL — Interim Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp will be sworn in as the city's permanent fire chief Friday at 1:30 p.m., becoming the first Black woman to lead Tampa's fire department.

City Clerk Shirley Foxx-Knowles will administer the Oath of Office at Tampa Fire Rescue Station 5, 3900 N. Central Ave.

Tripp is the 22nd commander to head Tampa Fire Rescue. The 23-year veteran of the department was appointed interim chief by Mayor Jane Castor on Nov. 18. Then, earlier this week, Castor made the posting permanent. The Tampa City Council confirmed the mayor's appointment June 24 in a unanimous vote.

A native of Tampa, Tripp's family, close friends and executive staff members along with members of the community will be on hand for her swearing in.

The city will stream the ceremony live on its Facebook page.

Tampa Fire Rescue's fire chief and two top staff members were suspended for misconduct Wednesday.

Tripp, a division chief, was appointed interim fire chief after former Tampa Fire Chief Nick LoCicero and Division Chief of Training Susan Tamme were placed on administrative leave after allegations of misconduct and a lack of supervisory oversight.

See related story: Tampa Fire Chief, 2 Administrators Suspended For Misconduct