Wellpoint Honors Franklin Police Chief TJ Lynch as a “Hometown Hero”

Wellpoint, a health benefits company in Massachusetts, recognized Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch as a Hometown Hero during a special celebration held in Franklin. In partnership with 98.5 The Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network, the Hometown Heroes initiative celebrates the contributions of individuals in public service across Massachusetts, shining a spotlight on the everyday acts of leadership and dedication that strengthen communities.

 

(L-R): Hellen, Morales, and Lynch

Chief Lynch has given more than 30 years of service to the Franklin Police Department, helping to make it one of the safest communities in the country. Under his leadership, the department achieved full accreditation, expanded regional collaboration through the MetroLEC SWAT task force, and advanced a more inclusive and forward-looking culture.

“Chief Lynch’s leadership has had a lasting impact on the Franklin community,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “From advancing mental health support to building a culture centered on service and innovation, he has helped redefine what public safety looks like. At Wellpoint, we’re focused on improving the healthcare experience, and leaders like Chief Lynch are helping bring that same approach to the communities they serve.”

Chief Lynch has also been a leader in rethinking how public safety supports community well-being – establishing a co-response model that integrates mental health clinicians into policing and introducing therapy dogs to support residents in times of need.

“Chief Lynch's more than 30 years of service to the Franklin community reflect a career defined by integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public safety," said Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. "He has built a department that puts people first — supporting those who serve across every level of the department and the residents they protect. Franklin’s reputation as one of the safest communities in the country is, in no small part, a testament to his guidance and dedication. We are proud to recognize him as a true hometown hero.”

Many Town of Franklin Department leaders, and local official joined in the celebration

Additional photos of the event can be found in one album:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zTJR3jnanFQw5XHM8

State Rep Jeff Roy's remarks

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/remarks-by-state-representative-jeffrey.html

The audio of the event

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/you-can-listen-to-hometown-hero-event.html

About Wellpoint: 

Wellpoint is a health benefits company with deep, long-standing roots in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, serving Group Insurance Commission (GIC) members, retirees, and their families for more than 30 years. Wellpoint provides health benefits exclusively to people insured through the GIC, offering a variety of plan options that provide comprehensive medical benefits. All of our plans also include coverage for prescription drugs and behavioral health services. Administrative services for the plan are provided by Wellpoint Life & Health Insurance Company. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is solely responsible for determination of eligibility and payment of any amounts due under the plan. For more information, go to wellpointmass.com.

Remarks by State Representative Jeffrey Roy at the Hometown Hero Award for Chief TJ Lynch

My thanks to State Representative Jeffrey Roy for graciously sharing his remarks for publication here:

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"Good afternoon everyone,

It's a privilege to be here today to celebrate a truly deserving recipient of the Hometown Hero Award-Franklin Police Chief TJ Lynch.

I want to begin by thanking the folks at Wellpoint, WEEI, and the Boston Bruins for shining a light on leaders like Chief Lynch. This award is about more than recognition-it's about elevating the stories of those who quietly and consistently make our communities stronger, safer, and more compassionate.

David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint,
Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen;
Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch;
and State Rep Jeff Roy (speaking)

For more than 30 years, Chief Lynch has served the Town of Franklin with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. But what makes his leadership so exceptional is not just the length of his service-it's the way he has shaped the culture of policing in our community. Under his guidance, the Franklin Police Department has become a model for what modern, community-centered policing should look like.

Chief Lynch understands that public safety is not just about enforcement-it's about relationships. It's about trust. And it's about meeting people where they are. That's why, under his leadership, the department achieved full accreditation, strengthened regional partnerships through the MetroLEC SWAT task force, and embraced innovative

 

approaches like co-response models that bring mental health clinicians into policing. He has also supported initiatives like therapy dogs, recognizing that sometimes the best way to serve is simply to provide comfort and connection in difficult moments.

As Town Administrator Jamie Hellen so well said, Chief Lynch has built a department that puts people first-supporting officers at every level while never losing sight of the residents they serve. Franklin's reputation as one of the safest communities in the country is no accident. It is, in large part, a reflection of his steady leadership, his forward-thinking approach, and his deep sense of duty.

 

The Hometown Heroes program honors those who go above and beyond in service to others-those whose everyday actions often go unnoticed but make a lasting difference.

Chief Lynch embodies that spirit completely. He leads not for recognition, but because he cares deeply about this community and the people in it.

Chief Lynch, on behalf of a grateful community, thank you-for your decades of service, for your leadership, and for the example you set every single day. We are proud to call you our Chief, and even prouder to call you a true hometown hero.

Congratulations"

Jeffrey Roy

State Representative

(L-R) David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint, Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen; Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch; and State Rep Jeff Roy

Additional photos of the event can be found in one album:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zTJR3jnanFQw5XHM8

The Wellpoint press release

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/wellpoint-honors-franklin-police-chief.html

The audio of the event

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/you-can-listen-to-hometown-hero-event.html

You can listen to the Hometown Hero event honoring Chief TJ Lynch Thursday, April 16, 2026 (audio)

FM #1717 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1717 in the series. 

David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint,
Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen;
Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch;
and State Rep Jeff Roy (speaking)

This episode contains the audio recording of the Hometown Hero event held on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Held at the Town of Franklin Police Station to recognize Chief TJ Lynch as a Hometown Hero.

Speakers in order of appearance:

• Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

• David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint,

• Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch;

• State Rep Jeff Roy

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1717-hometown-hero-event-04-16-26/

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The Wellpoint press release can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/wellpoint-honors-franklin-police-chief.html

State Rep Jeff Roy's remarks

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/remarks-by-state-representative-jeffrey.html

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Listen to Franklin's Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, on WBUR's Morning Edition (audio)

"Last week, Franklin's Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, ICMA-CM joined WBUR's Morning Edition to discuss the fiscal challenges cities and towns are facing—from core service budget pressures to rising operational costs.

As municipalities continue to navigate complex financial landscapes, conversations like this help shed light on the real impacts to local services and the importance of informed community engagement.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/eNc_27wg"

Shared from - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/why-many-massachusetts-cities-and-towns-are-share-7448363205057429504-A1ey/

Executive Summary to the Town of Franklin FY 2027 Budget

From Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

"I present a balanced budget model for FY27. This budget is submitted as my formal budget proposal under Town Charter requirements in 6-3-1, 6-4-1, and 6-5-1 and mirrors what was presented in February. A revised model will be presented in mid-to-late May after staff receive actual employee health insurance numbers.

FY 2027 Budget

This model provides the most updated revenue assumptions, the requested budget model by the Superintendent of Schools & School Committee, all municipal department requests, and the proposed restoration of some critical municipal positions (which also impacts the schools).

I propose using free cash to patch the overall structural budget deficit and prevent additional cuts to town and school departments. However, I am not specifically using the free cash to support one service or another, nor have I stated free cash is being used to restore specific municipal positions or any department. Rather, the use of free cash is to support the overall requests from all departments and the Schools. In my opinion, this budget provides a roadmap for the desired service level required to run our organization to the standards outlined by the public, especially based on the feedback received in the wake of two failed overrides in 2024 and 2025."

Continue reading the Executive Summary to the FY 2027 budget

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YhYy4_hSjXhXaOqfw5ZgFFYiOXOfxHFY/view?usp=drive_link

Full release of the FY 2027 Town of Franklin Budget

https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/115

MMA Podcast: Building Trust and Resilience in Local Leadership (audio)

What are the real pressures facing local leaders in Massachusetts in 2026? 

"We are not built to go out of business but we are funded to go out of business."

In this episode, we speak with the outgoing president and incoming president of the MMA — Franklin Town Administrator Jaime Hellen and Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove, respectively — as they go in-depth about how local leaders are often torn in multiple directions and work to achieve success for their communities under the constraints of time, staffing and budgets. 

They share how fortunate they feel to do the work they do, despite the challenges, and how the MMA is the “glue” that brings local leaders together to solve mutual problems. They also discuss tackling funding shortfalls, and what they’ve learned from their mutual love of hiking.

For Further Reading:

• More on Jaime and Kassandra’s leadership: https://www.mma.org/jamie-hellen-is-new-mma-president-kassandra-gove-is-vp/
• To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Listen On Spotify ->  https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sJHSmaKU2ZC71rVSiRGtH 

Town Administrator Letter with ZBA Appointments - Jan 21, 2026 Town Council meeting

January 16, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: Appointments - Zoning Board of Appeals

I am asking the Town Council to ratify my nomination appointments of Jennifer Williams and Isabella Carter as At-Large members of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

Robert “Archie” Acevedo resigned from the ZBA on January 7, 2026 with a term nearing expiration on June 30, 2026. I am nominating Isabella Carter to fill this vacancy with the expectation she will be reappointed in June 2026 for a full three year term through 2029.

Bruce Hunchard’s 3-year term expired on June 30, 2025; however his term was extended through the completion of the ZBA’s final decision on the 444 East Central St. project. The current term for this vacated seat expires on June 30, 2028. I am nominating Jennifer Williams to fill this term.

Membership on the ZBA is challenging and board members are faced with some extremely difficult and divisive decisions to make. As I have already reported, this one Board receives scarce interest to serve and we have had very few people apply to be on the ZBA. Furthermore, the board requires technical knowledge, deep interest in these issues and a deep commitment to learn on their own personal time. The ZBA oversees a complicated, dense and deep set of issues that are affected by federal, state and local laws, case law and with potential significant consequences to the community, private property owners, residents, and commercial businesses.

Bruce and Archie have served the ZBA for 34 and 22 years respectively and have done an exceptional job. Their service to the Town is greatly appreciated by all of the staff, and sadly, often goes underappreciated by the general public. While I am firmly aware of the concerns in the community surrounding members of the ZBA, at times, there is no mix or words that I could come up with to commend Bruce and Archie's combined 56 years of volunteer service to the town. It is the end of an era. They deserve far more respect and appreciation than condemnation. There is no question Bruce and Archie have helped people in Franklin at a far greater level than not. Their decisions have helped

 

small businesses, commercial businesses, and thousands of residents. They have helped generate significant tax levy and tax base over the decades. They have an intimate knowledge of federal, state and local laws. Their expertise and institutional knowledge will be missed.

That said, the community clearly desires a new ZBA. If these nominations are approved this evening, the town will have very intelligent, thoughtful, considerate and engaged members on the Zoning Board of Appeals. I am hopeful that with new membership, our organization can steer the community toward greater understanding of the complex web of laws and case law that many times defines the final decision of the Board, enhance transparency and easier access to complicated materials and address concerns from residents. This does not mean residents will always see the decision they want. But we hope to provide a better experience to residents who choose to engage with the ZBA.

The volunteer forms and resumes for both Jen and Isabella are included in the agenda packet for the January 21st Town Council meeting.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Town Administrator Letter with ZBA Appointments - Jan 21, 2026 Town Council meeting

PDF of this memo ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8131/5a--Appointments---Jen-Williams-and-Isabella-Carter---ZBA

J Williams volunteer form

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8126/5ai-1---Jen-Williams

I Carter volunteer form

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8127/5aii-1---Isabella-Carter

The complete Town Council agenda (including remote participation info)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212026-2101

Franklin Ridge audio with Jamie Hellen on MYFM 1013 (audio)

Franklin Residents — Do You Know What the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Project Is?

Franklin Ridge audio with Jamie Hellen
on MYFM 1013 (audio)

This project represents the culmination of 10 years of hard work by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and countless others — from zoning board members to leaders like Rep. Jeff Roy and Senator Becca Rausch. What’s being built is more than housing — it’s a way to help keep generations of families in Franklin for years to come.

Learn more about the vision, the progress, and what this means for Franklin straight from the man who helped make it happen.

Listen to today’s Town Hall Highlight with Jamie Hellen:

https://soundcloud.com/myfm1013/town-hall-highlights-jamie

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DdqP6jvLt/

MyFM1013 · Town Hall Highlights - Jamie Hellen

Officials Celebrate SNETT Trail Extension

A cold morning in mid-November, State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) was joined by Congressman Jake Auchincloss, local Franklin town officials and members of the SNETT Rail Trail Committee to celebrate the acquisition of rail line from Grove Street to Union Street.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss, left, gets a
tour of the site on Union Street in Franklin
of the extension of the SNETT Trail

“This is a tremendous win for the community and will truly boost the crossing neighborhood in Franklin,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “The extension of the rail trail will give families and individuals the opportunity to walk, bike and run through Franklin and beyond. I want to thank Congressman Auchincloss, Franklin officials and the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee for their persistence and commitment to Franklin’s resources and continuing to offer recreational and economic development options to the community.”

Representative Roy worked with Congressman Auchincloss to get CSX, a freight train company, and Franklin officials to provide a pathway for the town to acquire the rail line to turn it into an extension of the rail trail. That would connect the current trailhead on Grove Street to Union Street and extend the line across town. This extension makes the Southern New England Trunkline Trail an 80-mile recreation trail extending from Franklin to Connecticut.

"I am proud to be a part of the team to bring this vision to fruition" said Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. "This acquisition will be the cornerstone of a revitalized Franklin Crossing Neighborhood and will provide an incredible opportunity for recreational enthusiasts, including bikers, hikers, walkers and many others to be able to access this 80 mile SNETT trail that will extend all the way to Connecticut. I want to thank Congressman Auchincloss, Rep Roy, the former Town Council for the support in acquisition and the Franklin-Bellingham Rail Trail Committee for their steadfast advocacy. This is a true partnership for the greater good of all residents!"

The rail trail extension is game changing in making Downtown Franklin a compelling destination both for locals and people from further afield.  Franklin will be the ideal starting point for a family walk or bike ride combined with a visit to local businesses,” said Paul Stamp, Vice President of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee.

Massachusetts contributed $700,000 towards the purchase of the line and has committed and addition $1 million to prepare the trail for use. 

A group photo with Congressman Auchincloss,
Representative Jeffrey Roy, Franklin
town officials and members of the
Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

“This Rail Trail extension is a game-changer for Franklin—creating a welcoming trailhead and bringing new visitors into our downtown,” said Cobi Frongillo, Past President of the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and former Franklin Town Councilor.  “Our community has pushed for this connection for years, and it’s finally moving forward thanks to the persistence of town leaders and the leadership of Representative Roy and Congressman Auchincloss.”

You can follow the Rail Trail Committee page for updates ->   https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Talk Franklin: an update on the Old Colony Habitat for Humanity project at the South Meeting House (video)

I had the opportunity to sit in the Franklin TV Studio recently with Kimberly Thomas, CEO, of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity and Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. 

We talked about the progress at the South Meeting House. There will be a lottery selection later this year to award the house to a family.

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K_jkKjSJTA

signs of work underway at the South Meeting House

work on the columns is underway at the South Meeting House

Jamie and Lucas close out FY 2025, look to the summer, and what's next (audio)

FM #1478 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1478 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere in the Municipal Building on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.  

Key topics

• After the FY 2026 budget discussion, what’s next

• Town business

• School’s redistricting

• Survey and engagement

• Music playlists, concerts, & time away

The recording runs about  55 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Lucas.  Audio link -> https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin---A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office-e35jgvq/a-ac26nek

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Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 

Franklin Public Schools page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/ 

Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Jamie and Lucas close out FY 2025, look to the summer, and what's next (audio)

2024 Year in Review with Jamie & Amy in this "Talk Franklin" episode (audio)

FM #1339 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1339 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.  

Our discussion was essentially a review of the 2024 calendar year. While the failed override was significant, Jamie & Amy wanted to highlight some of the other key accomplishments.

Key topics

• Franklin Crisis Action Team (FCAT)

• Community survey

• Community engagement & civil discourse

• Many of the accomplishments are also listed in the mid year summary doc in the Council agenda for 12/18/24

The recording runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation closing out 2024 Audio link -> https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---December-17--2024-e2sg36l/a-abmi7dh

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Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 

Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 

Mid-year review (adoption of 2025 goals) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._resolution_24-78_tc_goals.pdf 

Homeless resources page -> https://sites.google.com/view/homeless-resources-services/home 

Healthcare & Resources link -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7a79d8f9979f4709ad5b7311c91c8258

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

2024 Year in Review with Jamie & Amy in this "Talk Franklin" episode (audio)