IPSWICH — Police Chief Paul Nikas, Fire Chief Paul Parisi, Chief of Communications David Irvine and the members of the Ipswich Police, Fire and Communication departments are saddened to announce the death of Retired Chief of Communications Paul ‘P1P’ Polonsky, a grandfather and father to a son and daughter who both work in public safety in the region — and a much-loved pillar of the Cape Ann public safety community for decades.
Paul “P1P” Polonsky passed away early Tuesday, while working the overnight shift at Boxford Communications Center.
Paul’s legacy in public safety spans over 50 years, including his time at Essex County Sherriff’s Department, as well as working in roles as Communications Officer and Police Officer in Boxford, Topsfield, Essex, Danvers, Rowley and Endicott College Department of Public Safety
Paul started in Ipswich in 1999, when the town first transitioned to a civilian staffed combined 911 Emergency Communications Center (ECC).
In 2000, Paul was promoted to the department’s first ever Chief of Communications position for the Ipswich ECC. During this time, Paul also worked as a Special Police Officer for the town, dedicating time both on the desk and on the street.
Throughout his 20 year career in Ipswich, Paul was instrumental in the development and advancement of the 911 ECC to the thriving operation it is today.
Paul’s role in public safety went far beyond his job Communications Officer and Police Officer. He was a proven mentor and supporter for police officers and emergency dispatchers and telecommunicators the North Shore region.
Paul was a founding member of the Massachusetts Communications Supervisors Association (MCSA) in 2000, which set the standard for public safety communications and their supervisors, by advocating for professional resources required by public safety communication centers so they may deliver quality communication services to the public throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
When Paul decided to retire from Ipswich in 2019, he knew his time in service was not over. He continued to work as a part-time Communications Officer in Ipswich, and offered his services to a number of other agencies whenever he was requested.
“Without a doubt, Paul’s legacy and influence will be felt in Ipswich, as well as the greater North Shore and Cape Ann regions for generations to come,” Chief Nikas said.
“Paul not only set the standard for a lifetime of service to the community, but he was also a key ally, advocate, mentor and supporter for everyone in the public safety realm,” added Chief Parisi.
To this end, Paul’s legacy will live on through the work of his family tree of public service. His son Mark is a Communications and Special Police Officer in Ipswich; his daughter Tammy, is a full-time Police Officer in Boxford; granddaughter Madeline, is an EMT for Armstrong Ambulance; and granddaughter Melissa is a Firefighter in Boxford.
The Ipswich Police, Fire, and Communications Departments extend our gratitude to the Polonsky family for the decades of sacrifice they made, so that Paul was able to serve with great dedication and unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe.
The departments extend heartfelt condolences, love, and appreciation to Paul’s family during this time. Arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
P1P, your family at Ipswich have the watch from here.
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