Thursday, June 23, 2016

Retiring Police Chief Semerjian's letter to the Franklin residents and businesses

To: The Residents and Business People of the Town of Franklin

When I first took the oath of service before self in 1978 it never crossed my mind then that I would be authoring this letter as the retiring Police Chief some 38 years later. Much time has passed since then and I can say in all honesty that I would not have wanted things to go any other way. Our Town Government, my Family and Friends, our Police Officers (then and now) and the people of Franklin have all become part of who I am and what I have been able to accomplish over these many years. The opportunity to be your Chief of Police has been without a doubt the high point of my professional career. During my four years as Chief Franklin has had the distinction each year of being recognized as one of the safest cities in Massachusetts and the United States to work, reside in and raise a family. This is an honor that I am proud to share as we have all taken a part in making this happen.

To those of you who have taken the time to comment on our department Facebook page or send me congratulatory cards I want to say “thank you” for your very kind words and well wishes. Those of you from the Class of ‘72’, my old classmates, teachers and coaches I send along a very special “thank you” (Dennis that sounds just fine!). Thinking back to the 1960’s and 70’s I’m not sure any of us had any idea just what and where we were heading in our lives. I think it safe to say that the “old” Franklin High School and athletic fields prepared us all well for our future.

Over the years I have always strived to make the impact I made here a positive one. This job brings with it the potential to very much help, or very much hinder people both professionally and personally. This is what comes along with the responsibility of having been sworn to enforce the law. It is my hope that I was able to help many more people than not. The measure of one’s success or failure is determined by those he serves. I like to think the litmus test of how the community has judged me will be counted by the many well wishes, smiles and handshakes that continue to be extended to me.

I’d be remiss if I did not mention these two unsolved cases which I had been involved with. In December of 1978 Theresa Corley was the victim of homicide; she was located on an embankment off Route 495 northbound in Bellingham. In July of 1988 Jane Gilboy was also the victim of homicide which occurred in her home in Franklin. Both cases remained unsolved to this day. I ask if there is anyone out there who has any information whatsoever on either of these cases to please contact the Franklin Police Detective Division or the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office State Police Division. It goes without saying that as members of society we all have an interest in bringing individual(s) capable of committing such violent criminal acts to Justice.

It has been my honor and privilege to have had this opportunity to serve you all as Police Chief for the Town.

I wish you all the very best of luck, good health and good fortune.

Sincerely

Chief Stephan Semerjian


Franklin Police, 911 Panther Way
Franklin Police, 911 Panther Way


The PDF of the Chief's letter:




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