Philip D. Fixman was a
highly respected constable
in Chelsea and surrounding
communities for 53 years.
On Feb. 25, Philip D. Fixman passed away following a brief illness at age 89. Throughout his 53-year tenure as a constable in Chelsea, he became instrumental in establishing the professional standards that guide the constabulary profession today.
More than 60 years ago, Phil relocated to Fremont Avenue in Chelsea, where he remained for the duration of his life. His marriage to Sylivia lasted 60 years.
His son, Michael Fixman, who himself became a constable in 1971, reflected on his father’s influence: “There was no place that would be as suitable for him as Chelsea,” “He loved the city.”
Involvement in his community extended beyond his professional role. Phil served as a past commander of the Lt. Carl Stein Jewish War Veterans Post and participated actively in the Masons, Knights of Pythias, and Shriners. As the last surviving charter member of the Mass Bay Constables Association, he received recognition for 50 years of membership. His leadership in the association included service as first vice president and 30 years as board chairman.
When asked what principles his father instilled in him from childhood onward, Michael Fixman responded: “He taught me how to be a mensch (a Yiddish word that means a person of integrity and honor).”
Michael observed that constables regularly encounter individuals facing difficult circumstances, yet “I can never remember my father approaching a person or a house without a smile on his face and without treating people with the utmost respect.”
Remarkable personal resilience marked Phil’s character as well. Diagnosed with laryngeal cancer at 36, when treatment options were limited, he underwent extensive surgery to remove his voice box. He went on to live another 53 years, witnessing the arrival of four great-grandchildren.
Michael recounted: “My father had a laryngectomy at the age of 36 – he was a true cancer survivor,” “But he never looked back. He always looked forward. Everything he ever did was positive.”
In 1957, Phil became Chelsea’s first constable, with subsequent appointments soon following in Everett, Malden, Medford, and Revere.
“He was the preeminent full-time constable in those communities,” Michael explained. “A police chief once told me that he was an icon and it was the truth because my father basically invented the wheel and professionalized the way constables do business. He was a mentor and trained other constables.”
Professionalism characterized Phil’s approach to every aspect of constabulary work, from his appearance to his conduct.
According to Michael: “Although he carried a firearm, nobody ever knew it,” “Although he carried a badge, nobody saw it unless they had to. He didn’t push what he did – he did what he did with grace and dignity.”
Joining his father in the profession 42 years ago, Michael later transitioned to full-time constable work in 1981.
“At a bare minimum, if my father didn’t served 100,000 pieces of paper, he didn’t serve one,” Michael stated. “Between the two of us, we probably served a minimum 200,000-300,000 papers.”
Phil sought to ensure that Michael would preserve and advance the exemplary standards he had established throughout his constabulary career.
“There are things that are never said but are just done – like nobody ever said you had to go to college but you were going to go to college,” noted Michael, who earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University and serves as a board member of the Criminal Justice Alumni Association.
Michael’s response to whether he had gained substantial knowledge from Phil in this field demonstrated considerable affection and respect for his father.
“Is everything a lot?” Michael reflected. “It’s the truth. I learned pretty much everything. Basically I learned that if the business were a house, my father built the foundation and the first floor. I might have added another floor to it, but basically speaking, I give all of the credit to him.”
Despite the demanding schedule and irregular hours inherent to constabulary work, Phil remained fully committed to his family obligations.
“His family was the most important thing,” Michael said. “His children, his grandchildren, and later his great-grandchildren – we were without exception the most important things in his life. If something in the family was going on, my father was there.”
Mr. Fixman was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia, and sister, Jeannette Surgecoff. He is survived by his son Michael Fixman and his wife, Susan; his daughter Beverly Weiner and her husband, Benjamin; his brother Samuel Fixman; four grandchildren named Jonathan, Michael, Randy, and Scott; and four great-grandchildren, Samuel, Anna, Eytan, and Avi. A fifth great-grandchild, Isaac, was born the previous Sunday.