Governor Names New Massachusetts Environmental Police Colonel

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BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper announced the appointment of John Monaghan as Colonel of the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP). 
 
Monaghan succeeds Colonel Christopher Mason, who has served as Interim Colonel since September 2024. 
 
"John Monaghan's extensive experience and leadership are exactly what we need at MEP. His innovative approach to law enforcement and his commitment to environmental protection will be pivotal for the department's success," said Secretary Tepper. "I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Colonel Chris Mason for his exceptional service during this interim period. His expertise and dedication have ensured a seamless transition." 
 
MEP, an agency within EEA, is dedicated to protecting the environment and natural resources of Massachusetts through rigorous enforcement, comprehensive education, and proactive public outreach.  
 
Monaghan started on July 7.  
 
"I am honored and excited to join an agency filled with dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to protect Massachusetts' natural resources and its people," said Monaghan. "Having come full circle from my studies at Sterling, a Natural Resource Management School, to interning with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and working with the U.S. Forest Service, I look forward to continuing and expanding MEP's remarkable work in safeguarding our environment and promoting public safety." 
 
"It has been an honor to close this chapter just as I began my career – serving in environmental protection," said Mason. "I'm grateful to the administration for their confidence in me and for the opportunity to support the department during this important transitional period. John is the right person for the role, and I'm confident the department will thrive under his leadership." 
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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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