- Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
Media Contact
Elaine Driscoll, Director of Communications and Policy
Framingham — On Monday, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) welcomed the 2025 summer internship cohort during a full-day orientation hosted at the Massachusetts State Police Homeland Security Operations Center (HSOC) in Framingham.
Now in its fourth year, the EOPSS Summer Internship Program continues to serve as a pipeline for talented, mission-driven individuals interested in careers in public safety and government service. Designed to provide paid, hands-on experience, the initiative reflects the Secretariat’s commitment to building a more diverse and representative workforce, while investing in the next generation of public safety leaders.
This summer, 50 undergraduate and graduate students will be fully embedded in 15 teams and agencies across the Secretariat, gaining real-world exposure to policy areas including legal, fiscal, information technology, human resources, emergency management, and communications. Over the course of 13 weeks, interns will contribute to meaningful public service projects while learning from seasoned professionals who are dedicated to protecting and serving the Commonwealth.
“This program was inspired by my own journey as a public safety intern nearly three decades ago,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Our goal is to give students the tools, relationships, and real-world insight that can spark a lifelong career in public service. The passion and diversity this cohort brings make me optimistic for the future of public safety in Massachusetts.”
This year’s class was selected from a competitive pool of nearly 600 applicants and represents 30 colleges and universities. The 2025 intern cohort is 72% women and 54% people of color, reflecting the Secretariat’s continued commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and workforce equity.
To launch the 2025 Summer of Service, EOPSS undersecretaries and agency leaders shared their own career experiences and offered guidance to help interns make the most of their time at EOPSS. Leaders also encouraged interns to view this experience as more than a seasonal role and urged them to embrace this opportunity as a meaningful first step to pursuing a fulfilling career in public safety. Below, the Commonwealth’s public safety leaders share their insights and advice to guide this year’s cohort and inspire the next generation of leaders to pursue a career in public service.
“There is no greater honor than having the opportunity to serve in a public safety position,” said Executive Director Municipal Police Training Committee Colonel (Ret.) Rick Rathbun. “These positions require a level of commitment unmatched by many other careers, but the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices necessary for any job in public safety. Embrace this opportunity to gain a personal perspective of our professions and assess what might be a good fit for you individually.”
“Being part of something bigger than yourself is an incredibly rewarding experience. Our communities depend on talented and committed individuals who understand the importance of helping and serving others,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble. “With hard work, commitment and integrity, a career in public service allows you the chance to truly make a positive impact in your community.”
“No matter what your interests are, no matter what your goals might be, there’s a place for you in public safety,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “If you’re bright, motivated, and driven to help others, you can apply your skills and talents to build a career that’s personally rewarding, professionally meaningful, and publicly valuable.”
“Never stop learning or asking questions,” said Sex Offender Registry Board Chair Megan McLaughlin. “Stay open to new perspectives while remaining grounded in your values. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and taking responsibility for them often leads to the greatest growth. Many of the most important lessons come not from the classroom, but through hands-on experience, reflection, and perseverance. As you begin your internships, embrace the challenges ahead, look for ways to contribute, and trust that your curiosity and integrity will guide you forward.”
“Public safety needs bold, driven leaders from all backgrounds—especially women ready to shape the future,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Dawn Brantley. “Your voice matters, your growth matters, and every moment you invest in learning, training, and stepping beyond your job description propels you higher and opens more opportunities to be a force for good. This work changes lives—including your own—so lean in, speak up, and never stop pushing yourself forward.”
“A career in public safety is rooted in service, compassion, and community. Every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference, and it’s important to never lose sight of the impact you can have,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “What’s made this work so meaningful for me is the camaraderie among colleagues and the chance to support individuals as they move forward. At the Department of Correction, we play a unique role in helping people prepare for successful lives after they leave our care. Seeing individuals excited about reentry and hopeful for their future is a powerful reminder of the difference we make.”
###
Media Contact
