TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — New questions are emerging surrounding the firing of a longtime Tampa police leader after newly obtained records appear to conflict with the department’s explanation for her termination.
Assistant Chief Ruth Cate, a nearly 30-year veteran of the Tampa Police Department, was terminated last month. The department has said the decision was based on her failing to meet expectations for her role, but has not specified what expectations were not met.
Cate was promoted to assistant chief by Police Chief Lee Bercaw in February 2025. On March 20, 2026, Bercaw and an employee relations manager met with Cate and informed her she would be terminated as an at-will employee…