Former police chief Paul Philipp was among those recognized for retirement this year during Monday’s city council meeting.

Mayor Tom Stiehm said it is general practice for the council to award plaques during the last meeting before the new year to city employees who have retired over the course of the year.

A plaque for Philipp was accepted by Police Chief Brian Krueger, as Philipp was not able to attend Monday’s evening.

Philipp retired earlier this year after 27 years with the Austin Police Department.

Stiehm expressed his appreciation for Philipp’s contribution to the city and the police department.

“We were both rookies together,” said Stiehm, a former member of the Austin Police Department.