Chief Barbara Tripp is a native of Tampa, Florida and graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1984.  After graduating from high school, Chief Tripp attended the University of South Florida to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering and later enlisted into the United States Armed Forces 1988. Chief Tripp is a veteran of the United States Navy where she served 4 years in the field of Aviation Ordnance.

Chief Tripp was assigned to US Naval Air Station in Barber’s Point Hawaii attached to VC-1 Training Squadron that housed A-4’s, A-6’s airplanes and CH-53 helicopters.  Chief Tripp received an honorable discharge in 1992 after completing her military obligation and returned home to Tampa Florida.

Chief Tripp continued her education and started her career in Public Safety as a Firefighter upon returning home to Tampa Florida.  Chief Tripp enrolled in Hillsborough Community College where she completed the Fire Service Academy and became a Florida State certified firefighter.  She received her EMT certification, Paramedic certification, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science in Emergency Management, and Associate of Science in Nursing from Hillsborough Community College.  She later returned to school and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Petersburg College in 2012.

Chief Barbara Tripp is a 28-year veteran with the City of Tampa and has over 31 years’ experience in the fire service.  Chief Tripp began her firefighting career with Hillsborough County Fire Department in 1994.  She later transferred to the City of Tampa Fire Rescue Department in August 1997, where her career in public safety elevated to the top.

In November 2020, she was appointed as Interim Fire Chief for Tampa Fire Rescue.  On June 25, 2021, Chief Tripp was sworn in as the 22^nd Fire Chief for the City of Tampa and the first female Fire Chief for Tampa Fire Rescue.

Prior to this assignment, Chief Tripp successfully rose through the ranks as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Paramedic Field Training Officer, Lieutenant, Captain, Acting District Chief, Quality Assurance Officer, Rescue Division Supervisor, and Rescue Division Chief.

Chief Tripp is a Registered Nurse (RN) and worked as an Emergency Room Nurse at a Level 1 Trauma Center and later transferred to Ambulatory Service.  Chief Tripp received “Nurse of the Year” in 2006 and 2008.  Her experience in the medical field has allowed her to develop and implement positive changes as the Rescue Division Chief for Tampa Fire Rescue.  Many of the changes included hands on educational training, equipment/technology task force, and the ability to be resilient in many situations.

Chief Tripp is a proud recipient of the Josephine Howard-Stafford Memorial Award.  This Memorial Award honor current and former City of Tampa female employees who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their position and the community.  She is a member of the TFR Honor Guard, Urban Search and Rescue, Hazardous Material Technician, Camp HopeTake Counselor, Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Emergency Planning Committee for Hillsborough County, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Emergency Medical Service for Children, Florida Fire Chief Association, Metro Chief Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Fire Service Executive Development International, Leadership Tampa Alumni LT20’, and serves on many local advisory boards and committees in the Tampa Bay Area.

Chief Tripp is actively involved in her community where she has assisted with feeding the hungry for many years.  She has an annual mission to hand out Christmas toiletry bags to the vulnerable population and at shelters.  She is a sponsor of the Rays of Hope Community Outreach who assist with providing hundreds of book bags, school supplies, out of town trips, and bicycles during Christmas to less fortunate children.  She actively engages herself with speeches to the youth in the community to pursue their dreams and never let the past paralyze their future.  Chief Tripp is a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Progressive Village where she is a member of the Hospitality Auxiliary and assist with organizing the Annual Holiday Food baskets for over 100 families. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Chief Tripp has compassion and aspire to make a difference in people’s lives.  Her favorite quote is from the famous American poet and writer, Maya Angelo: “People may forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.  With that being a mission in her life, she is dedicated and committed to making a positive difference in her community.

Chief Tripp is a proud mother and grandmother.