Radio legend Rudman gives $10,584 to Phila. police

Ask Kal Rudman why he does it, and he'll say he always wanted to be in the business of saving lives.

That's why the former medical-school-student-turned-radio-legend-turned-philanthropist has donated thousands of dollars to the Philadelphia Police Department.

He's donated money for stuffed animals for grieving children, for bulletproof vests for police dogs, for tuition grants for officers with college aspirations.

"What greater thing is there on the planet?" asked Rudman, 78, who's known as a big talker and giver, after presenting a check for $10,584 to Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey yesterday at Police Headquarters to cover tuition grants this fall for 24 officers.

Rudman, a Philadelphia native and former radio disc jockey who now lives in Cherry Hill, made millions as a publishing magnate. In the late 1960s, he created what became known as the bible of the radio industry, the Friday Morning Quarterback, which featured Rudman's picks for the next hot records as well as industry gossip and job openings.

Since 2002, the Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation has helped 238 Philadelphia police officers enroll in the justice curriculum at Community College of Philadelphia, handing out grants of more than $82,000. Ramsey called it "a tremendous contribution."

"This means so much to our department and to the future of our department," Ramsey told the crowd that convened at Police Headquarters.

The commissioner also pointed out that more than 92 percent of the officers enrolled scored an A or a B in their studies.

"So not only are they taking advantage of the generosity, they're really working hard." Ramsey said.

Ramsey and representatives from the college presented Rudman and his wife, Lucille, with a certificate of appreciation.

After the ceremony, Sgt. Brian Sprowal, who started classes at the college last year, thanked Rudman personally - and proudly mentioned his 4.0 GPA.

"A more educated police officer is a better police officer," said Sprowal, who has been on the force for 17 years, of his motivation to return to school. After college, he plans to attend St. Joseph's University for a master's in public administration, news that made Rudman smile.

"The things that you learn make you more informed and better qualified," Rudman said. "I do everything I can do personally. I want the Philadelphia Police Department to be the smartest, best-trained and best-educated police force in the country."