Head Of MA State Police Col. Kerry Gilpin Stepping Down

Col. Kerry Gilpin, head of the Massachusetts State Police announced she will be stepping down starting November 15. Gilpin has served the position for just two years. State Police released a statement on Wednesday saying Gilpin, 49, will be retiring. Her history on the force spans 25 years — she was appointed to the position by Gov. Baker in 2017.

The State Police have been in and out of headlines since March 2018 after several troopers pleaded guilty to being paid for overtime hours they never worked. Gilpin took over the position after Col. Richard McKeon retired. McKeon was accused in a federal lawsuit of ordering the alterations of a police report that revealed details of the arrest of the daughter of a Dudley drug court judge.

In August, the former State Police Union president, Dana Pullman and a Beacon lobbyist were arrested on wire fraud and obstruction charges.

Gilpin noted in her retirement announcement that her time leading the State Police has been marked with challenges, writing in part:

"The last two years have presented tremendous challenges for the Department. However, I believe that with great adversity comes great opportunity. We have accomplished so much during this difficult time, and I am confident that you will continue to build upon this foundation ...

It remains deeply disheartening to me that a small number of our personnel chose to violate our principles and values. We have taken action to address their transgressions, conducting thorough and painstaking internal investigations as well as criminal investigations. I have been tremendously disappointed that some members of this remarkable organization have betrayed the public trust that so many of us worked so hard to earn. I have been fully committed to restoring that trust to ensure that the actions of a few do not overshadow the reputation and hard work of the vast majority who conduct themselves with the utmost integrity every day."

Patch will update this story.