Archives - MSP Stories 2009

The Massachusetts State Police urge motorists to be safe on the roads of the Commonwealth this winter. If possible, do not travel, or keep travel to a minimum during periods of winter weather in order to allow snow removal crews to clear the roadway. For those who need to drive in adverse winter weather conditions, the State Police recommend the following winter driving safety tips

The Massachusetts State Police in November honored 22 troopers, along with seven members of the New Bedford Police Department and four civilians for various contributions to public safety, acts of bravery, and police work beyond the normal call of duty. The awards ceremony, held at the Grand Staircase of the State House, was led by Undersecretary of Law Enforcement and Fire Services Kurt N. Schwartz and Colonel Mark F. Delaney, Superintendent of the State Police.

November 10, 2009 marks the United States Marine Corps' birthday, which, appropriately, also signifies the beginning of the annual "Toys for Tots" season. The 2009 "Toys for Tots" season marks the 25th year that the Massachusetts State Police Department has partnered with the Marine Corps for the administration of this program in Massachusetts.

On October 6, 2009, the International Association of Chiefs of Police awarded the Massachusetts State Police 1st place in the National Law Enforcement Challenge for state police agencies with 1,001-2,500 sworn members.

On September 9, 2009, the Philadelphia Police Department held a dedication ceremony honoring the line of duty death of Officer James F. Kane. The dedication was part of the "Hero Plaque Program" established in Philadelphia to honor those police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. As part of the program, a plaque is permanently embedded in the sidewalk at the location where the officer died.

On Tuesday, June 30, 2009, the New England Patriots Pro Bowl kicker Stephen Gostkowski and Hall-of-Famer Andre Tippett gathered with State Police from the six New England States and New York at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough for “Summer Safety Blitz,” a family and media event aimed at promoting safe vacation travel. Participants emphasized the need to wear safety belts, obey speed limits, and refrain from drinking and driving

On Tuesday June 23, 2009, the Massachusetts State Police were joined by state officials, including state Senate President Therese Murray, at a ceremony dedicating the Exit 7 Interchange off Route 6 in Yarmouth in honor of Trooper Ellen E. Engelhardt. Among the speakers were State Police Superintendent Colonel Mark F. Delaney, Senate President Murray, and State Representative Cleon Turner of Dennis, who filed the legislation to name the Interchange in Trooper Engelhardt's honor.

On Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., the Molly Bish Foundation hosted the 9th Annual Missing Children's Day Ceremony in the Nurses Hall at the State House in Boston. This ceremony honors the memory of missing and murdered children and demonstrates support for missing and abducted children who have been safely returned to their families. The ceremony included testimonials from parents of missing and murdered children as well as speeches from members of law enforcement and elected officials.

On May 22, 2009, the Ararat Street Bridge over Route 190 in Worcester was dedicated to Trooper Paul F. Barry and named the State Trooper Paul F. Barry Memorial Bridge. Trooper Paul F. Barry, was a six-year veteran of the State Police, who died in a cruiser crash on June 15th 2006 while on duty, at the age of 39.

With the onset of warm weather and summer road trips, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts State Police, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and local police gathered May 21 at the Lexington rest stop on Route 128 North to highlight the Spring 2009 Click it or Ticket Mobilization, a statewide effort to increase seatbelt use.

On Friday, May 22, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. the Massachusetts State Police Marine Section hosted a press event to educate the public on boating safety in advance of the summer boating season. Trooper Timothy Driscoll of the Massachusetts State Police Marine Section urged boaters to be safe as they enjoy their time on the waterways of the Commonwealth this summer.

The Massachusetts State Police today honored 26 state and local police officers and 12 civilians for various contributions to public safety, acts of bravery, and police work beyond the normal call of duty. The awards ceremony, held at the Grand Staircase of the State House, was led by Secretary of Public Safety and Security Kevin M. Burke, and Colonel Mark F. Delaney, Superintendent of the State Police.

The Second Annual 911 Honors ceremony was held Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester where thirteen telecommunicators from across the Commonwealth were honored for their outstanding efforts as the first and most critical contact our officers and citizens have to emergency services. They maintain the vital emergency communications link that makes the difference each and every day. Three of the honorees are members of the Massachusetts State Police Dispatcher Corps. State Police Dispatcher Supervisor Kevin Kilmain assigned to SP Operations, State Police Dispatcher Leigha Genduso, SP Operations and State Police Dispatcher Angel A. Rodriguez assigned to SP Northampton.

Today, April 16, 2009, Colonel Mark F. Delaney, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, celebrated the promotion of 86 members of the State Police. These promotions have occurred over many months and have back filled vacancies created through retirements. The ceremony was held at the State Police Headquarters in Framingham. Colonel Delaney is proud to announce the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Marian J. McGovern as Deputy Superintendent. As second in command of the agency, Lt. Colonel McGovern is a 28 year veteran, and is well known and respected in the law enforcement community. Among her many accomplishments, Lt. Colonel McGovern established the Massachusetts AMBER Alert Program, an emergency system to aid in the recovery of abducted children.

Years of hard work were recognized recently when a national forensic science accrediting agency conferred accreditation to the entire Massachusetts State Police Forensic Services Group, the nine facilities across the state that collect and analyze forensic evidence in criminal cases. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the State Police called the accreditation a “gold standard” for forensic laboratories and gives citizens of the state assurance that the analysis of evidence performed at State Police facilities meets the highest standards of the field.