HOWELL – The Howell Township Police Department will be welcoming a new chief after Andrew Kudrick announced he will be retiring from the position.
Although Kudrick previously mentioned he would soon be retiring, the announcement seemed abrupt with Kudrick publishing a statement to the community on March 31 and then officially retired the next day, April 1.
Kudrick was a part of the Howell department for 32 years and served as chief for seven. He was named Howell’s police chief in June 2015 after former chief Ronald Carter retired.
In a letter Kudrick posted of the department’s Facebook page, he said he accepted a job offer elsewhere.
“I am happy to announce effective midnight tonight I am officially retired. I have spent the last 32 years of my life proudly wearing a Howell Police uniform. For nearly the last seven years, I was honored to be the Chief of Police of an agency I have held in such high regard since I was a child. Being the Chief of Police was an absolute honor. It did however come with significant responsibilities, challenges and situations. From deadly force encounters to managing a public health crisis, it wears heavy after time especially on one’s family. Although I had to make many tough decisions as a chief, sometimes unpopular, this one wasn’t,” Kudrick said. “Last year I announced to my staff my intention to retire this year. It was a decision I have been heavily weighing the last few months. Today, I did not hesitate to accept an offer that was presented to me. Although my love for this job is the same as the first day, it is time to move on.”
Kudrick’s decision to retire comes shortly after the members of Howell Policeman’s Benevolent Association Local 228 issued a vote of no confidence, concerned about his leadership of the department.
Out of 71 members, only two voiced any support for Kudrick through an anonymous ballot. Kudrick, however, never addressed the issue publicly.
Taking the reins of leading the Howell Police Department as the new Chief will be Captain Mark Pilecki.
“I have the utmost confidence in Captain Pilecki being in charge of the PD while the transition is made. Although today is my last official day as a police officer, I will be around the PD to assist. As a resident, I certainly will see all of you out in public,” Kudrick said.
“I thank all of you for the love and support you have shown to me and this department over the years. I thoroughly enjoyed our interactions throughout the community, especially at our events. I could not be more proud to have been a Howell police officer. It was my childhood dream. I was so fortunate to work alongside so many outstanding officers and personnel. The friends I have made and the memories will last a lifetime,” Kudrick added.
