The Admirable Life and Times of Richard C. Lombard Richard C. Lombard, after a long and blessed life, passed away on August 4, 2026, in the presence of those whom he loved so much. He had just celebrated his 90th birthday in May and was still going strong right up until his end. Richard was… Continue reading Don’t Talk Crazy!
Author: Gavin Keenan
I am a retired police chief living in Massachusetts who enjoys police fiction writing, humor, social commentary and waking up each morning. My stuff has appeared in Mystery Readers Journal, "Busted - Stories From the Beat 2017" and Best New England Crime Stories 2015 - Rouge Wave" both published from Level Best Books. "Felons, Flames and Ambulance Rides" (Oak Tree Press) and "True Blue" (St. Martins Press) I try to see the lighter side of things, unless of course I'm writing about life and death. Raised to be unfailingly polite, I never disrespect others unless provoked, and then only if I'm dead sure I'm at least half right. Obviously, I spend a lot of time eating crow. I've found it a tasty dish.
A Simple Badge and Gun Does Not a Copper Make
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting some retired Ipswich Police Department friends at a late summer cookout. It was a magical evening of story-telling. I was grateful we had all made it to the other side relatively unscathed, and I realized once again how fortunate I was to have been broken in by such a group of experienced and savvy cops.
The Battle of Middle Ground, July 3, 2005
Gather all ye noble men and listen to my song. I know you have more pressing things But this shouldn’t take too long. Our tale occurs on slippery sand at a place called Middle Ground.
Ghosts of Independence Day
By Gavin Keenan My wife and I were reminiscing about Independence Days long past, when our children were little, some of our parents still alive, and our families mostly living nearby. Backyard cook-outs scheduled around shifts at Beverly Hospital or the I.P.D., Betty Dorman's Recreation Department Fourth of July Children's Parade - thankfully still going… Continue reading Ghosts of Independence Day
Lucky Enough (Gavin Keenan)
Oh, Wintry Christmas of my Youth!
It's popular to wax nostalgic of a time and place where the winters were colder, the snows deeper, and the pace of life more manageable. For those of us lucky enough to grow up in Ipswich, these things were mostly true.
Let’s Go Walking……. After Midnight……
Up for a walk tonight? How about joining me on a late-night beat shift in the early 1980’s? When you’re from a place and stay put, you pay attention to things. It’s the stuff of life that let’s you know where you belong.
Deluge! An Eyewitness Account of the Mother’s Day Storm of 2006
Essex County was subjected to days of relentless, pouring rain that caused millions of dollars in property damage, deaths and left Ipswich nearly isolated from neighboring communities.
Life in the Time of Greenheads
Situated in the epicenter of The Great Marsh, Ipswich is ground zero for the annual invasion of Town's Official Pest, Tabanus nigrovittatus, better known as the Greenhead Fly. In my opinion, which I am happy to share with you, the Latin name for this scourge lends it far more dignity than it deserves.
Little Neck Nostalgia
"Ipswich is paradise with bugs.”
The Postman Only Rang Once…….
What was forwarded to me was a shocking eye-opener of national proportions, I promised to keep it under my hat, so consider yourselves among the very privileged few to have this access. Please don't tell anyone...
Pink Flamingos, “More Musings From a Musty Mind”
I call for all of us to embrace a cause that may serve to unite our fractured democracy before it’s all too late. This of course is the plight of Plastic Pink Flamingos. What, you ask?
Behold, a Pale Corpse
Gavin Keenan is drawn to reminisce of certain events which occurred during his lengthy enlistment in the local constabulary, including this Clamtown mystery of pandemic proportions.
What could be More Funner Than Working in the Summer?
In my day, summer work had one purpose – money. I'm sure many of you can relate to these memories, and have your own version to share.
“We’re Here For a Good Time, Not For a Long Time.” Remembering the Celebrated Life of Ipswich Police Officer Ed Walsh
Retired Ipswich Police Officer Edward Walsh, who died recently, worked for the Town nearly fifty years, beginning in 1969 as a rookie patrolman.
The Karma of Modern Problems
by Gavin Keenan. This article was first posted in 2017, and is timely as ever.
Historic Ipswich 