Governor Names New Massachusetts Environmental Police Colonel

08:11AM / Saturday, July 19, 2025Print Story | Email Story

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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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action.

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature."

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures.

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis.

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.

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