Mayor Promotes Paul Philipps to Police Chief

Parsippany is getting a new permanent police chief.

Acting Chief Paul Philipps will be sworn in as chief of Parsippany Police at a swearing-in ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday in Town Hall's Council Chambers.

The announcement came Monday afternoon from the office of Mayor James Barberio.

The former deputy chief was named acting chief after the March 1 retirement of Anthony DeZenzo.

As part of his duties, Philipps will take on directorship of the township's Office of Emergency Management.

Philipps has served as a member of the PPD since 1979. During his 33-year career, he has served in many capacities, including patrol officer, D.A.R.E. coordinator, Police Explorers coordinator, Investigative Division commander, Internal Affairs Division commander and dive coordinator with Parsippany’s Rescue and Recovery Unit.

He is also an annual participant in the Police Unity Tour, which benefits the families of fallen law enforcement officers, and a member of Parsippany's Kiwanis Club.

He holds an associates degree in criminal justice from the County College of Morris, attended Seton Hall University and has bachelors and masters degrees from Farleigh Dickinson University. Philipps is a graduate of the West Point Leadership and Command Program. 

He is the recipient of numerous awards including command citations, a unit commendation, an exceptional duty award and a meritorious service medal.

Philipps lives in Parsippany with his wife and their two sons.