Healey fires head of Chelsea Troopers’ House

The embattled head of the Chelsea Troopers’ House has been fired after going through criticism over mismanagement, in line with Gov. Maura Healey’s workplace.

Superintendent Eric Johnson’s termination was efficient Thursday, The Boston Globe reported. Assistant Secretary of Veterans’ Houses and Housing Robert Engell has taken over the submit as performing superintendent. 

The Chelsea Troopers’ House is a 200-bed state-run facility that gives shelter and medical care to army veterans. Johnson got here beneath hearth for his dealing with of the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed the lives of greater than 30 veterans on the residence. Critics mentioned the veterans’ deaths might have been prevented had Johnson executed a greater job managing the outbreak. Along with the fatalities, a minimum of 40 different residents had been contaminated with the virus. 

“Governor Healey and her administration stay dedicated to defending the well being, security, and wellbeing of our veterans,” Healey spokesperson Karissa Hand mentioned following his firing, in line with the Globe. 

Johnson had been within the position of superintendent since December 2020. He was placed on paid go away in June 2022 after allegations of sexual harassment and bullying surfaced, however he returned to the job in October. 

Healey terminated Johnson a day after the Globe shed mild on extreme time beyond regulation funds made to the house’s nursing director. The firing additionally got here per week after Inspector Normal Jeffrey Shapiro despatched a letter to now former Gov. Charlie Baker criticizing situations on the residence.

In response to Johnson’s termination, Massachusetts Nurses Affiliation spokesperson Joe Markman mentioned, “Eric Johnson’s firing is lengthy overdue.”