Governor Baker Names McKeon New Head of Mass State Police

Thursday, July 09, 2015

GoLocalWorcester News Team

Major Richard McKeon - Image Courtesy of Mass. State Police

Governor Charlie Baker has appointed 33-year veteran Richard McKeon as the next Superintendent and Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police (MSP). McKeon currently serves as the Deputy Division Commander of the Division of Investigative Services.

McKeon has several ties to Worcester including being instrumental as the unit commander of the State Police detective unit working with the Worcester County District Attorney's office in Auburn. McKeon graduated from Framingham State University and received his Masters in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College in Paxton. McKeon joined the MSP in 1982.

Major McKeon’s appointment will be effective July 12.

“I would like to thank Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and Secretary Bennett for putting their faith in me to lead this proud organization forward,” said Major Richard McKeon. “During my 33 years in the State Police I have been fortunate to receive a great deal of knowledge and guidance from the many professionals within the Department, and I look forward to putting all that I have learned to work on behalf of the public that we serve each day.”

Colonel Timothy Alben recently announced his retirement and was thanked by Governor Baker for his leadership and more than 30 years of service to the Commonwealth as a member of the MSP.

“Keeping the people of Massachusetts safe is paramount to my administration and I look forward to Major McKeon building upon our State Police force’s stellar professionalism and diligence,” said Governor Baker. “Fostering trust between the community and law enforcement is essential to public safety and McKeon will be essential to strengthening those relationships. I thank Colonel Alben for his decades of service to the State Police and the people of the Commonwealth, and look forward to seeing their strong tradition continue under the leadership of Major McKeon as we continue striving to make Massachusetts a safer place to live, work and raise our families.”

“Having seen firsthand Major McKeon’s work with the Worcester County District Attorney’s office, his dedication, integrity and respect for his fellow law enforcement, members of the community and victims of crime will serve the Commonwealth well as Superintendent of the State Police,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Daniel Bennett. “I also want to thank Colonel Alben for all he has done to advance the mission of the State Police and for his leadership of the men and women that put their lives on the line every day.”