Aberdeen Searches for New Police Chief

After a decade of service as Aberdeen's top cop, Randy Rudy's days in the police department are coming to an end.

Rudy, who served as chief of the city's police force for more than 10 years, was stripped of his duties in October when the City Council voted 3-2 not to renew his contract.

Mayor Mike Bennett said it was time to "go in another direction." The position was quickly filled by Capt. Henry Trabert, who is serving as acting chief during a search for Rudy's replacement.

Rudy will remain on the city's payroll until his contract expires on Jan. 24.

City Manager Doug Miller confirmed via email that a "nationwide search" for a new police chief will begin in February, a process he anticipates could last through the spring.

Miller said the process of searching for a chief requires advertising, screening and interviewing and he hopes to find a qualified candidate that Bennett and the council will approve.

Rudy, a retired commander with Maryland State Police, was sworn into office during the administration of former Mayor Doug Wilson. 

Toward the end of Rudy's tenure with the department, he was best known for befriending then-mayor S. Fred Simmons, who was often criticized for his aggressive policing strategies.

Simmons also aided Rudy in creating police task forces such as the "Rapid Response Team."

When Simmons was unseated as mayor and replaced with Bennett, Rudy expressed concern that he may lose his position as chief for political reasons.

Simmons took action to protect Rudy by signing his contract before the mayoral election, so that Rudy would keep his job even if Simmons lost.

Miller told Patch that Rudy's contract was different than other city employees in that it was up for renewal each year, and not every three years. 

He said the mayor and council only needed to decide to let the chief go two months before his contract expired.

And that's what they did.

Rudy was placed on on "administrative leave" in the meantime.

Aberdeen Patch was unable to reach acting chief Trabert, but his voicemail indicated he is in fact serving as interim leader.

His phone greeting at the department says, "You have reached Chief  Trabert."