Crime & Safety

Philipps Sworn In As Deputy Chief - [VIDEO]

A ceremony to honor the PPD's new second-in-command took place at Town Hall.

Parsippany police officers, town officials and citizens were on hand Tuesday afternoon in Town Hall's Council Chambers for the swearing-in of the police department's new deputy chief, Paul Philipps.

Just last month, then-Captain Philipps was elevated to the rank of acting deputy chief. Chief Anthony G. DeZenzo said Philipps deserves the promotion.

"He has served this department well for a very long time," the chief said. "I am very pleased to have him working with me as deputy chief."

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Mayor James Barberio presided over Philipps' swearing-in, with the new deputy chief's wife and younger son looking on. 

Afterward, Philipps thanked those present and the "many people" who helped him along the way.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Philipps is a 32-year veteran of the department. Over the decades, he has worked with youth in efforts including D.A.R.E. and in the department's youth services division. He has also worked in other divisions, among them planning and research, investigative, internal affairs. Most recently, Philipps has served as commander of the investigative division.

The new deputy chief is a much-honored officer. As a police captain, Philipps earned command citations, a unit commendation, an award for exceptional duty and a medal for meritorious service.

He also participates in the annual , a bike ride from New Jersey to Washington, D.C., that honors fallen police officers and gives assistance to their families.

Tuesday's ceremony appears to bring a positive end to internal strife between him and the township. Last month, the Parsippany Town Council announced a settlement in the two-year legal dispute between the township and Philipps over an undisclosed employment disagreement. Terms of the settlement were not revealed.


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