Dean College Swears In First Campus Police Sergeants In New Campus Police And Safety Department

"To continue prioritizing the safety of our students and community, Dean College is updating the separate departments of Campus Safety and Law Enforcement Services to one entity: the Campus Police and Safety Department, beginning June 1, 2023.

“Dean College has always been committed to providing a safe and secure community, where all members may experience academic, professional and personal success,” said Chief Ken Corkran, Assistant Vice President for Law Enforcement Services & Risk Management. “This redesigned departmental model of both sworn police officers as well as non-sworn campus safety officers will allow us to utilize a combination of community building, safety awareness and police presence in order to ensure campus safety and security to the campus community.”   

This transition is designed to provide even greater service and awareness to the community, as well as further integrate the department into the campus culture."

Continue reading the article at Dean -> 

https://www.dean.edu/news-events/story/dean-college-swears-in-first-campus-police-sergeants-in-new-campus-police-and-safety-department/

Dean College Swears In First Campus Police Sergeants In New Campus Police And Safety Department

Fire Dept technical training

"The Franklin Fire Department hosted a monthly drill for the Norfolk County Technical Rescue Team at the Franklin Department of Public Works water treatment facility yesterday.  

The focus of this drill was on confined space rescue. Members of the Franklin Fire Department are part of this regional technical rescue team."

Additional photos available on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cow2AbIO0Yq/

Coincidentally, Fire Chief James McLaughlin touted this training as something the department was working on in our recent interview. If you haven't listened yet, it is available on demand. 

Chief McLaughlin shares the highlights of the last three years and the changes he had started making in his first nine months and the accomplishments of the department overall since then.

This conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Chief McLaughlin. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-944-town-of-franklin-fire-chief-james-mclaughlin-02-09-23

Franklin Fire Dept technical training

With time to reflect, Chief McLaughlin acknowledges so many accomplishments and is proud of this dept (audio)

FM #944 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 944 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Fire Chief James McLaughlin. We met in person to record this at the Franklin studio on February 9, 2023.  We opened our conversation joking about not jinxing us since we had last recorded just before the COVID shutdown occurred in 2020 

Chief McLaughlin shares the highlights of the last three years and the changes he had started making in his first nine months and the accomplishments of the department overall since then.

This conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Chief McLaughlin. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-944-town-of-franklin-fire-chief-james-mclaughlin-02-09-23

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Fire department page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/fire-department 

 

Fire Dept Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire 

Fire Dept Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinMAFire/?fref=ts 

Chief McLaughlin’s recording from March 2020 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-233-fire-chief-james-mclaughlin.html 

Fire Dept promotion ceremony in July 2020 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/fm-316-franklin-ma-fire-department.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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

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"

A good example of the quality of work by the Dept is their proposal to replace Tower 1

Finance Committee Meeting Recap: Topics of interest -> capital budget, public safety, and FY 22 budget revenue estimates

Quick Recap:

• The initial capital budget proposals were reviewed, discussed and approved to bring to the Town Council at a future meeting
• An overview of public safety from the dispatch operations (MECC), including police (Chief Lunch) and Fire (Chief McLaughlin) was insightful. The answer to "How long does it take for a police new hire to actually take a working shift?" (after training, etc.) is eye opening
• FY 2022 will present a challenge, the revenue estimates are still early but the gaps will not easily be reconciled without serious discussions. The question remains, how will Franklin address its structural budget deficit? It is not only a school budget problem, it is a town problem
• Meeting calendar topics discussed and the summer meetings (July and August) were removed from the schedule

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Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/7B8yNDUwNhJueieg8

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #fincom0310
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23finCom0310&src=typeahead_click 

• Real time reporting underway for the Finance Committee meeting tonight #fincom0310 5 of 9 members present for a quorum.   https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/revised_fin_com_agenda_complete_1.pdf  (added later (based upon conversation and questions), the five members present were Dowd, Conley, Dewsnap, Corbosiero, Riley)
• Late to capital budget due to COVID concerns and snow/ice #fincom0310 (normally starting to review in Dec) projects listed for capital are critical. After doing policy obligations (OPEB, etc.) have $1.6m to work with
• Not putting aside $ for fire trucks given the 2 recently purchased. Also not putting aside for open space due to the CPA passage and start of the CPC process. #fincom0310
• Slide down the pages of the agenda doc to bottom page 3 and top of 4 for initial school items
• #fincom0310 don't typically do trade ins for the vans, usually well beyond useful life hence surplus
• Municipal bldg had been approved for financing last year, and when out to bid getting a good price so it has come down considerably and can use the free cash instead. #fincom0310 fire dept request mostly annual type items for gradual replacement of some #s regularly
• Likely to have solution on north Franklin with radio coverage and a new tower possible. Fire happy with analog radio for guarantee of comms on site; all the radios both police and fire go both digital and analog, explanation on article sent by #FinCom0310 chair
• Tower at Keller/Sullivan will help except for those over the hill and down Populatic. Did submit request for grant with Plainville to replace radios, asking for microphones in this submission. #fincom0310
• Next up, DPW line items, while borrowing was authorized, they would like to avoid it. Also applying for a MassWorks grants with a local contribution (this amount) to help prioritize #fincom0310 Q on the other items but not in this year's request
• Next year is a longer list for DPW, #fincom0310 vehicles are usually run until they can't pass inspection. Have milled parts when parts weren't available in channels. Haven't considered using some of the smaller capital items bundled together for a bond issue.
• An unwritten policy to not use the bond for such a short term item, fire trucks bonded for 10 years, may last 20 which is okay. If it is 5 years life for a ten year bond, not a good deal, likely costing more #fincom0310 discussion at St Mary's intersection, and long waits
• #fincom0310 is there a central motor pool? DPW runs the pool and watching the life cycles, maintenance, etc. Approx 258 registered vehicles taken care of by DPW with 3 mechanics. As part of green Community, we will be purchasing 2 electric vehicles for town staff near future
• Next up, the enterprise funds and capital associated with water sewer, etc. #fincom0310 pages 6-7 has these items  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/revised_fin_com_agenda_complete_1.pdf 
• When you get a new water main, you also get a new road surface. Resolution has correct amount, narrative may have a typo. #fincom0310 Q how old are the tanks? tank is 3rd oldest in nation still in use. Can upgrade pump 4 to feed the hillside tanks and remove Pleasant st
• Rate payers support the sewer enterprise fund (along with the water  rate payers supporting the water enterprise fund). 150k to look over the Beaver St project to make sure something wasn't missed. #fincom0310 there is a minimum $1m maintained in case
• Page 8 has other capital wish list items #fincom0310 Q on snow ice use from free cash vs. putting it in the budget, raises a great question on why we are so low in roads and other accounts... 6-7" snow costs 175-250K, calling contractors costs about 8K per hour
• Does use a 5 year rolling average to start the budget; extra money in snow/ice goes to roads so it is used.  Motion to approve 1st resolution, passes 5-0. #fincom0310
• 2nd motion passes, same vote, 3rd motion, passes with same vote, 4th resolution 21-16 passes 5-0
• Next up, MECC presentation. #fincom0310
• Presentation copy at end of the agenda doc https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/revised_fin_com_agenda_complete_1.pdf …
• #fincom0310 Mendon and Millville begins dispatch in July, agreements signed work underway to make happen. Who is next after them?
• Due to development grant to allow for merger of Mendon and Millville into, did create fund to set aside to cover for when we pay the full bill again in FY 2025. As for who is next? We can bring in more with planning. #fincom0310 currently 29 FTE
• Business calls are not 911 calls but they can be an emergency call. #fincom0310 call efficiency? still too early to really see, do have efficiency within the team and still building the operations. Did just ratify the first dispatcher union contract today at the board meeting
• Next up Chief Lynch 56 total, 53 sworn officers, description of the divisions and operations. Patrol work 10 hour days four days, then off... Should have 58 for comparable dept of our size. Hired 20 in 4.5 years, yes turnover. Retirements of 6-8 in next three yrs, command staff
• From hire time to be on the street it is a year (if academy req'd). Better to find an experienced individual to cut down on the time req'd. MA police accreditation underway. Just went thru review today, should find out in month/so. #fincom0310 station study would be nice
• The building is ok but not enough space, officers dress at home, locker space insufficient. #fincom0310 cruiser fund to replace x per year would be good. Busiest time is in afternoon/evening, between 2-3 PM and 2-3 AM.
• $90k from DPH, covers the program but if necessary would fund local, Community has received it well, #fincom0310 if dealing with a mental health issues best is going along with the officer, significant savings to avoid court and criminal justice system
• Over 600 calls between Medway and Franklin last year, clinician is busy and coordinates the service and follow up. #fincom0310 trending up, mental health, domestic violence - decline of break-in, (folks are home) opioid has not gone away, deaths are down but incidents …
• Completed OneMind training for 20% of dept, want to do more, could use an other clinician, do a lot of training, 72 hours of training/year. Ben is now a certified support dog. Other depts went to the four days to save money, we went to add people back. #fincom0310
• Chief McLaughlin up next, new hires 4 starting this month so in April we'll be full staffed for the four battalions for the first time ever. #fincom0310 all four groups doing same process, nice span of control in this structure. Volunteer grant Committee, over $250k received
• Pursuing grants, close to an ISO 1 rating, new ambulance non May, trucks in July and all this during the pandemic, very productive year. #fincom0310 SAFER grant trying for, could provide support for 4 folks for three years. Next up, FY 22 assumptions
• A good start but still work and numbers to verify, the bottom line initially is about $2.7 short. Some of the delta will go with revisions to some of the assumptions. Some of the remaining will need to be adjusted on the expense side #fincom0310
• #fincom0310 budget Committee meeting scheduled for Mar 17 before the Town Council meeting. They'll go thru this sheet and any changes. Long explanation (no easy answer) on how to balance the budget ? There is a structural deficit, how do we address it?
• Aside: given the time length of this meeting, the recording will likely be split into logical segments, one clearly on BUDGET! (Yes, deliberate choice for caps) #fincom0310 the first draft of school budget was posted today, shared at SchCom 3/9 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy22_budget_book.pdf 
• #fincom0310 about to close the meeting with last topic of future meeting topics, page 8 added earlier, OPEB April 14 at Town Council ... likely to cancel the July/August meetings. Motion to adjourn, passes 5-0. That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

section of the revenue forecast for FY 22, shows a negative number as the budget cycle starts

FM #316 - Franklin (MA) Fire Department Promotion Ceremony (audio)

FM #316 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 316 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Fire Department Promotion Ceremony held on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. This is the next step in the department's reorganization plan put together by Chief James J McLaughlin. Links to earlier updates are in the shown notes.

The ceremony runs just about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to Fire Department Promotion Ceremony.

Note the actual swearing in language is hard to hear however all the announcements for the pinning is loud and clear.  Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-316-franklin-ma-fire-department-promotion-ceremony

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The program and photos from the event
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-fire-department-promotional.html

Chief McLaughlin interview in March 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-233-fire-chief-james-mclaughlin.html

FinCom budget hearing May 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

Town Council budget hearing June 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/real-time-reporting-town-council-budget.html

Town Council votes to remove Fire Dept from Civil Service in Jan 2020 (requires legislative approval)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fire-dept-removed-from-civil-service.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

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

FM #316 - Franklin (MA) Fire Department Promotion Ceremony (audio)

FM #234 Franklin Fire Chief McLaughlin - COVID-19 Updates 3/31/20

FM #234 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 234 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Fire Chief James McLaughlin and Firefighter/paramedic Laurie Roy. Laurie serves the Fire Dept as the Infection Control Officer. This was conducted via conference bridge to help maintain ‘social distance’ during this pandemic period.

Chief McLaughlin shares the modifications taken by the Fire Dept in order to continue to serve the community in responding to 911 calls. The firefighters are taking extra precautions as they respond to the call to minimize exposure on both sides and help prevent any spread of COVID-19.

This conversation runs about 11 minutes, so settle in and listen to my conversation with Chief McLaughlin and Firefighter Roy.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-234-fire-chief-j-mclaughlin-lroy-3-31-20

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Link to Franklin Fire Dept letter 3/30/20
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_letter_-_ffd.pdf


Link to Town of Franklin Coronavirus Update Portal
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

Franklin Fire Dept Station 1 - downtown at night