“This work is a calling to serve our community.” These words from Deputy Chief Calvin Johnson showcase the passion and care that our first responders give to our community every day. On Wednesday, November 29th, Leadership Tampa class of 2024 saw some of that calling in action. The day started with a welcome by Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp, followed by a panel discussion with the Tampa Police Department, Tampa Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the 13th Judicial Circuit Court. Through this discussion, members talked about the responsibilities they have as a first responder and how they collaborate often with other first responders and the community at large.
In this discussion, the panel spoke to the value of connecting the police department to the private sector and nonprofit organizations. For the police to be the most successful, they need to understand the health of the community, and to do that they need to connect with all community stakeholders. They also discussed the value of preventative support that is necessary for the police’s safety efforts to be successful; helping kids and their families with whatever stress they are currently dealing with helps prevent issues from happening down the line.
(Panel Discussion at Tampa Firefighters Museum – note the hydrant on top of tree)
The panel also discussed the need for first responders to reflect on the community they serve. To understand the needs of the community and to build trust quickly, they need to reflect on the community. This understanding also goes deeper in the need for first responders to understand the stresses of the community as well. The panel discussed how people experience traumatic stress in their lives and how law enforcement can operate best if they understand, allowing them to respond appropriately.
Finally, the panel discussed the various sub-divisions in each of their departments, describing a laundry list of unique services that each of them provide. While there were a lot of categories listed, each one was valuable in serving a specific need identified in the community. Chief Judge Christopher Sabella mentioned that some of his most memorable ones are the Mental Health Diversionary Court, Drug Court, and Veterans Court – all designed to triage needs that come to them and to offer unique and targeted support to individuals who come their way.
After that, LT headed to the Hillsborough County Jail to tour the facility. We witnessed a veteran’s area which housed veterans in the jail and provided services in a regimented way to help them recover. This system has experienced considerable success with low recidivism for those who attend. We also saw a vocational training program and spent time in the confinement area for inmates who wished to be voluntarily confined and for those who were confined due to a violation at the jail.
After the jail, we went to the Police and Fire Safety training facility where we participated in four activities: a police car chase, an active shooter simulation, a fire rescue building tour, and a fire rescue equipment walkthrough. This was an opportunity for LT members to participate in a high-speed police chase (both as the perpetrator and as three pursuit cars). The police officers were obviously experts in their field as they deftly maneuvered around the obstacle course, through the trails, and back onto the main parking lot to spin out the perpetrator. 35 MPH never felt so fast!
(Ray Hawat, LT’24, enjoying high-speed police chase)
LT members also took part in an active shooter simulation. This was an interactive and responsive computer simulation where the video adjusted based on the responses of those participating. LT members had to work to deescalate potential violent situations and then decide in real time when to use force to stop the situation. Even though it was a simulation, this was a highly stressful situation that highlighted how quickly officers need to react.
Members also learned about all the equipment used in fire rescue and were able to walk through the training building used to help train firefighters dealing with complicated fires. In parallel with this walkthrough, real firefighters were training alongside the demonstration allowing LT members to see the training in real-time where firefighters pulled extremely heavy hoses around and used high-pressure water to knock over cones with ease.
(Explanation of fire gear when entering a building)
Finally, Leadership Tampa saw the bomb squad and SWAT team in action. Members went to the far side of the training facility to see the armored SWAT truck pull up with members in full gear come out to move in formation toward a test home. They then displayed real explosives that are used to both blow the locks off a door as well as to cause a loud noise to disorient the individual they are trying to apprehend.
(Active demonstration of bomb squad and SWAT tactics when entering a hostile situation)
Overall, it was a great experience to see the thorough training that our first responders take to serve us and the tremendous collaboration they are pursuing to take care of our community. Deputy Chief Johnson mentioned in his conversation at the panel that “everything is about collaboration” and through deep conversations with these members they have learned the immense collaboration that takes place, and that is still needed, for first responders to support the community best. We also learned that nearly every worker operated during non-traditional hours, and worked tirelessly in their jobs. When asked why members would take on these responsibilities, many said that it is a calling to serve our community. We thank them for this calling and for working with our community to collectively help us all prosper.