Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Names New Massachusetts Environmental Police Colonel

BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper today 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. 

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 starts on July 7th.  

“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.” 

“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.” 

About John Monaghan 

John Monaghan brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience to his new role. Most recently, he served as a Post-Traumatic Growth Training Guide with the Boulder Crest Foundation’s Massachusetts team, where he conducted workshops to help first responders transform Post-Traumatic Stress into personal and professional strengths through Post-Traumatic Growth. He also trains with police departments nationally as a subject matter expert for SAFLEO Officer Wellness and Suicide Prevention. 

Previously, Monaghan was a law enforcement consultant at the Center for Policing Equity in Denver, Colorado, where he worked using data-informed solutions to build connections with diverse communities and bridge gaps in co-response models to improve harm reduction. He has also held the position of Director of Partnerships at All Aces Inc. in Boston, served ten years with the New Hampshire State Police, and spent eight years as Chief of Police in both the Franconia and Moultonborough, NH Police Departments.

Monaghan holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Management from Antioch University in Keene, NH, and graduated from the 120th New Hampshire Police Academy. He also earned an Associate’s Degree in Resource Management from Sterling College in Craftsbury Common, VT.

Monaghan resides in Danvers with his wife and their dog, Fred. Together, they have four children. In his free time, he enjoys road cycling, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and telemark skiing.

Statements of Support 

Robert Mancini, Lieutenant, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department 

“Colonel Monaghan has achieved a high level of success at every step of his law-enforcement career. Over the past 15 years, I have personally witnessed his outstanding leadership, which has been demonstrated through his care for and treatment of his staff and the constituents he has served. I am confident that this success will continue during this new chapter as the Colonel of the Massachusetts Environmental Police. His passion for the natural world and expertise in law enforcement leadership make this new role an outstanding fit. As with any new position, challenges lie ahead, but Colonel Monaghan certainly has the skills to lead the agency forward and will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of the Massachusetts Environmental Police.” 

Rob Swartz, Struggle Well Region 1 Director, Boulder Crest Foundation 

“John encompasses all the values of a true authentic leader, whom I am honored to congratulate on his new position as Colonel of the Massachusetts Environmental Police. He embodies these values with consistency, bringing integrity, emotional intelligence, and an unwavering sense of purpose to every environment. He has an ability to create meaningful connections and uses this to guide others in facilitating the Struggle Well training at the MA DOC and numerous other First Responder agencies throughout Massachusetts. Whether leading a team, mentoring peers, or showing up with a grounded and genuine presence, John inspires authenticity and positive action. John has proven to be an experienced leader, not only for himself, but also inspiring others to transform their own journey of growth. John’s leadership is not just performative - it is rooted in strength, growth, clarity, and empathy.” 

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