TAMPA, Fla — Allegations of misconduct have led Tampa Fire Rescue's chief, division chief of training and training officer to be placed on administrative leave, according to the City of Tampa.
A press release from the mayor's office said Chief Nick LoCicero, Division Chief of Training Susan Tamme and Training Officer John Muralt's administrative leave starts "effective immediately" and is pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
The city did not specify the accused misconduct, rather saying, "allegations of misconduct and a lack of supervisory oversight associated with the misconduct" were the focus of the investigation.
LoCicero and Tamme have been placed on paid leave, while Muralt has been relieved of duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation, according to a press release.
“The City will conduct a fair, thorough and expeditious investigation to determine the facts of what took place. 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,” Mayor Jane Castor said.
Castor also stressed that these allegations are not a reflection of the department as a whole and does not want this investigation to diminish the hard work and dedication of Tampa Fire Rescue crews.
City of Tampa Rescue Division Chief, Barbara Tripp is set to serve as interim fire chief while the investigation is active.
Joe Greco, President of the Tampa Firefighters Union said Tripp is an excellent selection to fill the vacancy.
"She’s got solid character. She makes great decisions. She’s loved by many. She’s a firefighter. She’s going to do the right thing for firefighters. She’s been on the streets more recently than any of the other chiefs," Greco said.
The union does not represent Chief LoCicero or Division Chief Tamme but Training Officer John Muralt is a member. Greco said he had not talked to Muralt yet but would soon. Once the city completes their investigation, Greco said he'll receive all the details and be able to provide Muralt representation.
"There’s multiple sides to every story. Sometimes there’s three or four sides," Greco said.
Chief LoCicero was named fire chief in 2018, around the same time the department was under scrutiny after a jury found the City of Tampa guilty of pregnancy discrimination and retaliation when Tampa firefighter, Tanja Vidovic complained.
Vidovic was awarded $245,000 in damages and is now back on the job.
10 Tampa Bay put in several public records requests regarding the allegations of misconduct and reached out directly to LoCicero. He has not returned our calls.
This is a developing story. Check back with 10 Tampa Bay for updates.
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