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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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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