Chief Barbara Tripp was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. 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 where she completed a honorable Department of Defense tour in Hawaii.
Upon returning home to Tampa, 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 earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Petersburg College.
Chief Barbara Tripp is a 27-year veteran of the City of Tampa and has over 30 years of experience in the fire service. She has held positions as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Paramedic Field Training Officer, Lieutenant, Captain, Acting District Chief, Quality Assurance Officer, Rescue Division Supervisor, and Rescue Division Chief.
In November 2020, she was appointed as Interim Fire Chief for Tampa Fire Rescue and sworn in as the first female Fire Chief of Tampa Fire Rescue on June 25, 2021.