Chief Barbara Tripp was born and raised in Tampa, Florida to the late K.D. and Lee Maude Tripp.  Chief Tripp graduated in 1984 from Hillsborough High School.  After graduating from high school, Chief Tripp enrolled at the University of South Florida to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering.  Later she enlisted into the United States Navy station in Barbers Point Hawaii, where she completed an honorable DOD tour.

Upon returning home to Tampa Florida, Chief Tripp enrolled in Hillsborough Community College where she completed the Fire Academy and became a 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 24-year veteran with the City of Tampa and has over 27 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 service elevated her to the top.

In November 2020, she was appointed as Interim 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, Rescue Division Chief.

Chief Tripp became 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 any situation.

Chief Tripp 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 serve on many local boards and advisory committees in the Tampa Bay Area.  Faithful member of First Baptist Church of Progressive Village where she is a member of the Hospitality Auxiliary.

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

Chief Tripp is the proud mother of Gregory (LaMecha), Erica (Wale), and Asia and the proud stepmother of Trevor (Krystyn).  The joys of her life are her grandchildren: Akela, Trent, Malaya, Moriah, Malik, Trevor Jr., and Trystyn.