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Tampa honors police, a trailblazing firefighter and two city clerks in Jan. 8 ceremony
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Summary
Council recognized Officer Caitlin Parrish as Police Officer of the Month after Tampa police cited sharp declines in murders and nonfatal shootings in 2025; retired inspections supervisor Betty Coleman was honored for 45 years with Tampa Fire Rescue as the department's first African American female hire, and Shirley Fox Knowles and Suling Lucas Harris received Master Municipal Clerk pins.
Tampa — The Tampa City Council opened its Jan. 8 session with a series of recognitions for local public servants.
Chief (identified in the transcript as) Burkhart presented statistical highlights for the Tampa Police Department, saying early estimates show a 2025 total of 19 murders — the lowest in over half a century — nonfatal shootings down by approximately 35% and traffic fatalities down by more than 20%. The chief named Officer Caitlin Parrish, advisor to the Police Athletic League Explorer Post, as Officer of the Month and credited her leadership with significantly expanding youth engagement programs. Community groups including the Tampa Police Benevolent Association, Tampa Theatre and ZooTampa presented plaques, memberships and other gifts in recognition of Parrish’s mentoring work.
The council next honored Betty Coleman for 45 years of service with Tampa Fire Rescue. Councilmembers and Fire Chief Barbara Tripp described Coleman as a trailblazer—the first African American woman hired by Tampa Fire Rescue in 1981—who worked as a firefighter, fire inspector, investigator and inspection supervisor, and who helped modernize inspection systems. Coleman and her family received multiple tributes and community gifts; Coleman thanked the department and encouraged young people to consider fire service careers.
In a separate recognition, the council presented Master Municipal Clerk designations to Shirley Fox Knowles, Tampa’s longtime city clerk, and deputy city clerk Suling ("Sue Ling") Lucas Harris. Sharon Lauther, city clerk of Haines City and Central West District Director for the Florida Association of City Clerks, outlined the requirements of the MMC designation—100 hours of advanced education with specified public administration coursework—and congratulated the honorees.
Council members praised the honorees and highlighted mentoring, recruiting and inter‑agency cooperation as reasons these awards matter to the city’s future.
Speakers quoted in this report include the presenting chief, Officer Caitlin Parrish (accepting), Chief Barbara Tripp, Betty Coleman, Sharon Lauther and Suling/Sue Ling Lucas Harris.
