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Rutland Today
By the People, for the People
Rutland Names Matthew Prouty Permanent Police Chief
Prouty takes over from retiring Chief Brian Kilcullen amid allegations of mishandling internal affairs report
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The Rutland City Police Commission has named Matthew Prouty as the permanent police chief, effective March 1. Prouty had been serving as the interim chief since December when outgoing Chief Brian Kilcullen announced his retirement. The commission opted not to conduct a wider search, citing the need for stability in the department and city amid recent leadership changes.
Why it matters
Prouty's appointment comes at a time of transition for the Rutland Police Department and the city as a whole, with the recent retirement of Chief Kilcullen and the upcoming departure of Mayor Michael Doenges. The decision to name Prouty permanently aims to provide continuity and stability during this period of change.
The details
Prouty, who has over two decades of experience with the department, will now negotiate the terms of his contract, including the number of years and salary, which will then be approved by the city's Board of Aldermen. Kilcullen's retirement came amid allegations that he and a retired commander improperly handled an internal affairs report criticizing the actions of officers in a pursuit that led to the death of Officer Jessica Ebbighausen in 2023.
- Prouty will officially become the permanent police chief on March 1, 2026.
- Kilcullen announced his retirement in December 2025, effective March 1, 2026.
- The next court hearing in the case of Tate Rheaume, who was charged with aggravated murder in Ebbighausen's death, is set for April 6, 2026.
The players
Matthew Prouty
The new permanent police chief of Rutland City, who has over two decades of experience with the department.
Brian Kilcullen
The outgoing police chief of Rutland City, who is retiring on March 1, 2026 amid allegations of improperly handling an internal affairs report.
Patricia Brougham
The chair of the Rutland City Police Commission, which decided to name Prouty as the permanent police chief.
Michael Doenges
The mayor of Rutland City, who recently announced his resignation.
Tate Rheaume
The individual charged with aggravated murder in the death of Officer Jessica Ebbighausen in 2023.
What they’re saying
“We decided this was not the time for a long, drawn-out search. With all the city is experiencing right now, we need stability.”
— Patricia Brougham, Chair, Rutland City Police Commission (vtdigger.org)
“Some stability is good.”
— Matthew Prouty (vtdigger.org)
What’s next
The next court hearing in Tate Rheaume's case is set for April 6, 2026 in Rutland County Superior criminal court.
The takeaway
Prouty's appointment as the permanent police chief aims to provide much-needed continuity and stability for the Rutland Police Department and the city as a whole during a period of significant leadership changes and challenges.
