To protect & Serve.

On Nov. 9, undercover Officers Paul Madsen and Antonio Ortega spent about six and a half hours while on duty at The Penthouse Club, 1801 N West Shore Blvd., according to Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor. The officers drank before their shifts, checked in as on-duty via computers, then drove an undercover vehicle to the club about 1:30 p.m.

When their supervisors found out about 8 p.m., they sent the men home, Castor said. A subsequent investigation led to Friday's firings of Madsen and Ortega, and suspensions of their supervisors.


"It's very embarrassing to me personally, and to all of our officers," Castor said. "The citizens deserve better."

Ortega was a 10-year veteran who had never had a major disciplinary issue, Castor said. Madsen was a 23-year veteran. Of his record, Castor answered, "He hasn't had an unblemished career."