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.
Tag: Gavin Keenan
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
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.
Fortitude, Rectitude and Attitude. Remembering the Life and Times of Ipswich Police Sergeant Frank Geist
The long and productive life of Frank Geist lends credence to the maxim that character is fate and renders his a story is worthy of telling.
Thoughts on an August Day
To borrow a hockey metaphor, if June and July designate the first and second periods of summer, then surely August tells us that we are now deep within the final period of this glorious season. The changes abound in subtle but perceptible ways.
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.
Little Neck Nostalgia
"Ipswich is paradise with bugs.”
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.
Historic Ipswich 