Parsippany Mourns 'Champion,' Former Police Chief

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The community is mourning the loss of a former police chief who was referred to as "a champion of modernization."

Retired Chief of Police Michael Filippello died Thursday evening at the age of 82.

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Filippello began working with the Parsippany Police Department as a patrolman in 1972. He soon rose through the ranks of the department, becoming Detective Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Patrol Captain, and Deputy Chief.

It was in 1988 that he was promoted to Chief of Police.

During his time as chief, the department became the second municipal police department in New Jersey to achieve accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

He is also credited with creating the department's Emergency Response Team (ERT), and he was a "passionate advocate for training."

"He focused on getting officers trained and believed in cross-training them across job functions, building a more capable and versatile department," a statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with retired Chief Filippello's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. His leadership and legacy will not be forgotten."

He retired in 2006 after serving on the force for 34 years.