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Rude: 'I was shocked' by Philipp announcement
Former police captain Curt Rude said he did not file the complaint that ultimately led to the chief's decision to retire
Published Monday, February 8, 2010
Former Austin police Cpt. Curt Rude said he was as “shocked” as anyone by the news of chief Paul Philipp’s retirement and that he did not file the complaint that ultimately led to the chief’s decision.
Rude, who was terminated as a city employee last month following his felony drug conviction in November, said he was most surprised by how quickly Philipp’s decision came about.
Philipp, who had been with the Austin Police Department for 31 years, announced Jan. 19 that he was retiring at the end of the month.
The former chief said his decision was in large part influenced by a recently filed complaint against him. Philipp has not elaborated further on the nature of the complaint, and city officials have cited personnel privacy laws when declining to discuss details of the complaint. Philipp did say, however, that charges against him are largely “untrue and unfounded.”
Despite some lingering tension between Rude and the boss who requested an outside agency come in and investigate why Rude removed prescription painkillers from the department’s evidence room, the former captain said he was not a party in the complaint.
“I’ve been gone,” said Rude, who currently works as a cross-country truck driver and spoke for this story over the phone from Memphis.
Philipp has decided to stay relatively quiet regarding his retirement, but he did acknowledge that dealing with the Rude situation for the past two-plus years was trying on him personally and on the department as a whole.
Regarding the complaint against him, Philipp said it required investigation, which would “impair” his effectiveness as chief. Ultimately, he said he didn’t want to bring further conflict and controversy upon the department.
“For this reason, I think it is necessary to announce my retirement,” Philipp wrote in a statement released last month. “I think it is best to spare the Austin police force additional controversy that may be divisive, that may cast doubt on the integrity of law enforcement, and that can only be harmful to the department that I have endeavored to serve.”
In Philipp’s place, Lt. John Mueller and Det. Brian Krueger will split chief duties until someone new is found, which city officials expect to take two to four months.
Krueger said Philipp is greatly missed in the department, likening his departure to a loss in a family.
“Paul is highly respected in the community,” the detective said. “He’s been an outstanding leader for us.”
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Posted by smarterthanacommissioner (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Largely untrue and unfounded." Does that also mean that the allegation was true and founded in a small way?
Posted by notafool (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seriously Curt??? Well, it may not have been you directly, but it was one of your minions. Give it up. The Chief handed you that job on a silver platter. You never should have had it in the first place but he appointed you because you were his friend. Big mistake on Paul's part. You blew it and now all you want to do is point the finger at someone else. You've never been held accountable for all of the other unethical things you did while working for the PD. You're just lucky at didn't happen sooner. Way to bite that hand that fed you all those years! Be a man for once and be honest - if not for yourself, at least for Peggy.
Posted by seeaboutagirl2 (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to tell it like it is, notafool. Love it!
Posted by RJ (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In response to "notafool"- I don't agree first with your name--Curt and Paul were work associates--did you ever see them together socially??? I doubt not. If you have allegations of unethical actions, please state them and file them otherwise quit throwing around this mindless slander. Curt is one of the few Captains possibily the only one that holds a masters degree--yes, he was more than qualified for the job he held. Think back through the years--who was the spokesperson at the schools for anti- drug education and made power point programs to show. Yes, he is very smart and a great person. The dirt throwing can stop now!!!!
Posted by dc16 (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree RJ, probably shouldnt call out his manhood and make it so personal you throw his wifes name out there, especially if your not man enough yourself to put your name under a statement like that
Posted by dc16 (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
doesnt mean i condone his actions by any means, i just think that there is a time to forgive and let the wounds heal... considering he has been "guilty" in the public's eye since nov of '07 and guilty in the courts eyes for months now, it may be time to forgive him for a human mistake instead of continuing to "throw dirt" at him.. then again this is austin, maybe we should keep kicking curt in the ribs while he is down, not much better to do here
Posted by orgaspam (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
leave Curt alone. Rj has a point only extremely outstanding and educated people are capable of creating powerpoint presentations, and furthermore to present them to elementary students shows his incredible resolve.
Posted by Norman (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dc-
Rude has never asked for forgiveness, still maintains he did nothing wrong, and continues to invite criticism by making statements to the media. Aside from a few kooks who have wished for him to leave town or even die, most of us would be happy if he would simply drop his lawsuit, resign from the board and fade into the woodwork.
Posted by dc16 (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
and i agree with you as i said i dont think his actions have been appropriate.. didnt the herald just publish an article saying he was starting to accept his fate? im not totally sure.. i just read the headline not the article
Posted by ss_wiking (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 12:19 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ruserious (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 12:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RJ...
The following is taken from the second day of court proceedings in Rude's trial:
"Chief Paul Philipp, who said he had become good friends with Rude during their more than 20 years together on the force, also testified against the on-leave captain." (As reported by the ADH, November 4, 2009) So yes indeed, it appears that they were more than just work associates.
And as I understand, Rude wasn't completely innocent before this fiasco. I believe that the public record reveals that he has been investigated for work policy violations in the past.
Orgaspam... funny comment.
Posted by GWAnderson (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rude has been off the department for 2 years.
There are many people who have complained about the Austin Police Department.
The current problems can not be blamed on Rude.
There should be a complete investagtion of the Austin Police Department.
It is not question if a third shoe will drop, but when?
Posted by Norman (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Two direct quotes were attributed to Curt Rude in this article; they totalled four words:
“shocked” & “I’ve been gone”
Posted by liahbiah (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 6:01 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
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