Tampa Fire Chief, 2 Administrators Suspended For Misconduct

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Fire Rescue's fire chief and two top staff members were suspended for misconduct Wednesday.

Fire Chief Nick LoCicero and Division Chief of Training Susan Tamme were placed on administrative leave and Training Officer John Muralt was relieved of duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

The city would only say that the actions stemmed from allegations of misconduct and a lack of supervisory oversight associated with the misconduct. No details will be released under the internal investigation had been completed.

“The city will conduct a fair, thorough and expeditious investigation to determine the facts of what took place," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said. "I will take appropriate and swift action to address this issue while ensuring our community and taxpayers continue to receive the high level of service they expect and deserve."

“This by no means is a reflection of the department as a whole," Castor added. "We hold all of our employees to high standards and this should not diminish the hard work and dedication of the men and women of our fire department who serve our community with dignity every day.”

The city named Division Chief Barbara Tripp as interim fire chief, a move that the Tampa City Council lauded. A 23-year veteran of the Tampa Fire Rescue, Tripp is the first Black woman to lead the department.

LoCicero was appointed chief two years ago by former Mayor Bob Buckhorn. He began his fire service in 1980 and joined Tampa Fire Rescue in 1986.

Before becoming chief, LoCicera was assistant chief for operations, responsible for supervising shift commanders, district chiefs and the 216 daily assigned personnel per shift. He also coordinated the city's five fire districts encompassing 22 stations covering a 128-square-mile area.

During his career with Tampa Fire Rescue, he received the Silver Medal of Valor, various unit awards and was named Firefighter of the Year.