Sen. Jehlen Honors Colonel at State House

| March 17, 2010 | State House News | No Comments

The following announcement is from State Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford):

State Senator Pat Jehlen and Colonel Marian McGovern

Pictured from left to right: Back Row: Rep. Vincent Pedone (D-Worcester), Rep. Joyce Spiliotis (D-Peabody), Rep. Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown), Rep. Mary Grant (D-Beverly), Rep. Ellen Story (D-Amherst), Rep. Alice Wolf (D-Cambridge), Sen. Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville), Rep. Denise Provost (D-Somerville), Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury), Rep. Paul Frost (D-Auburn). Front Row: Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein (D-Revere), Sen. Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), Colonel Marian McGovern, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan, Rep. Elizabeth Malia (D-Jamaica Plain), Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley). Courtesy photo.

Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville) recently welcomed Colonel Marian McGovern at a State House ceremony sponsored by the Caucus of Women Legislators. McGovern, the first woman to lead the Massachusetts State Police, was appointed by Governor Deval Patrick in December to replace Colonel Mark F. Delaney.

Sen. Jehlen presented Col. McGovern with a Joint Resolution commemorating her historic appointment and praised her impressive accomplishments during her formal introduction in the House Chamber. “Colonel McGovern is an excellent choice for the position,” said Sen. Jehlen. “Her proven leadership ability and over 30 years of service on the force will provide strong and venerable guidance for the State Police.”

McGovern’s career with the State Police began in 1979 when she joined only three other female state troopers. After twenty years as a detective focusing on sexual assault and child abuse, she was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2006. The highest ranking of the 179 women serving on the force, she managed the 2300 state troopers and oversaw daily operations.

“The professionalism and excellence in service that Col. McGovern has displayed throughout her career is a credit to the strength of our police force,” said Sen. Jehlen. “It is an inspiration for the women of our Commonwealth to see the shining example that Col. McGovern has set.”