Screaming sirens echoed across the Tampa Police and Fire Training Facility as Leadership Tampa’s Class of 2025 raced through a simulated high-speed chase. Earlier, the ominous clank of a jail cell door at Falkenberg Road Jail sent shivers through participants, underscoring the stark reality of incarceration. Hosted by Leadership Tampa graduates Deputy Chief Ruth Cate (Class of 2024) and Major Eric DeFelice (Class of 2023), Public Safety Day offered an immersive glimpse into the lives of Tampa’s first responders.
The day began inside the Tampa Fire Recue Museum with a panel featuring Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw (LT '17), Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp (LT '20), Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell, and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Colonel Anthony Collins. Chief Tripp shared stories of Tampa's historic fire stations, some dating back to 1914, and discussed challenges in modernizing technology and expanding rescue services. Chief Bercaw highlighted the multifaceted roles of today's law enforcement officers, who serve as mediators, legal experts, and protectors of public safety.
At Falkenberg Road Jail, the class explored life behind bars, touring the nationally acclaimed Veterans Housing Unit. This specialized pod provides wraparound services to incarcerated veterans and has achieved a remarkable 13% recidivism rate. Its success has drawn international attention, with observers from as far as Germany visiting to study the program's operations. Vocational programs, ranging from carpentry to hair braiding, further demonstrate the Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister's commitment to preparing inmates for successful reentry into society.
Things became real at the police and fire training facility, where we faced split-second use of force decisions in the "Shoot, Don’t Shoot" simulator. Adrenaline surged as we executed high-speed maneuvers in patrol cars, boxing in suspect vehicles during simulated pursuits. At the Tampa Fire Rescue stations, we wielded the powerful Jaws of Life and aimed torrents of water at imaginary flames with high-pressure fire hoses. Each activation challenged us physically and mentally, offering a profound appreciation for the daily demands first responders face.
All of the sudden a masked suspect takes fellow LT '25 member Chris Chambers hostage. A K-9 unit swiftly led the SWAT team to the building where Chris was held captive. Moments later, the deafening blast of a flashbang grenade signaled the SWAT team's entry, showcasing the coordinated efforts required in such high-stakes situations.
Beyond their uniforms, Tampa's first responders are individuals with personal stories and families. Public Safety Day offered the Leadership Tampa Class of 2025 a unique opportunity to step into their roles, gaining insight into the challenges they face daily and the humanity that drives their commitment to the community.
Day Chair Police Major Eric DeFelice (LT '23) guides classmates across the sprawling training facility to their next activation.