BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Friday, a promotion ceremony for Tampa Firefighters will take place at the Firefighters Museum, 720 E. Zack Street, at 2 p.m. During the ceremony, the first African American female firefighter will be elevated to the rank of Captain in the department.

Fire Chief Tom Forward has promoted more than 65 employees since he became the Fire Chief. Five African Americans were among the most recent promotions.

Chief Forward has promoted Ms. Barbara Tripp to the rank of Captain. Captain Tripp is the first African American woman to attain the rank of Captain in the history of the department. She is a 14-year veteran.

Chief Forward also promoted Jonnie C. Benniefield to the rank of District Chief. Chief Benniefield is a 23-year veteran with the department.

Guye M. Bass, a 10-year veteran and Rodger M. Shipp, an 8-year veteran, were promoted to the rank of Driver-Engineer.

Jaisen J. Randolph joined the Tampa Fire Department 4 years ago. He is now a Paramedic with the department.