Franklin Fire Dept 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Services (audio)

FM #1819 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1819 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Fire Dept 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Services. Franklin Firefighters Local along Franklin Police Dept conducted the services at the headquarter fire station, downtown Franklin, September 11, 2026. 

Speakers in order

• Master of Ceremony - Josh Impey

• Chaplain Bob Poitras 

• State Representative Jeff Roy and State Senator Becca Rausch 

• Deputy Police Chief West, and Police Chief TJ Lynch 

• Fire Chief Charles Allen 

• Musical performances of the National Anthem, Amazing Grace, and Taps performed by Franklin High School students guided by Dianne Plouffe

The ceremony runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1819-franklin-fire-25th-anniversary-9-11-memorial-svc-09-11-26/

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Link to photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/7vj3TE2SjyY9rf5LA

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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!

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

“Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello (audio)

FM #1818 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1818 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Friday, September 4, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 2, 2026. 

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Approval of Police Chief James West

• Excess sewer capacity sold to Medway, Millis

• Town properties, presentation by Kate Hinckley GIS, then discussion on the key decisions; siting the Police Station, then what to do with Davis Thayer, Parmenter, 275 Beaver St, etc.

• Office hours at Library, more like this coming

The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1818-town-council-quarterbacking-09-04-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uMeOjqTdAEw?si=qSIBaHW_AgOh6RCn&t=57 

The modified agenda for this session (modified to remove the Executive Session)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-5-_8ZH8wT7D-xz8WH0fdzhWQCW2jIg9/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"

James West Named Franklin’s Next Police Chief

The Town of Franklin and the Franklin Police Department are pleased to announce that Deputy Police Chief James West has been appointed Franklin’s next Chief of Police. West will assume the position effective Nov. 6, 2026, following the retirement of current Police Chief Thomas Lynch.

West has served with the Franklin Police Department for more than 25 years, joining the department in 2001. He has served in a variety of roles throughout his time in Franklin, including police officer, sergeant, lieutenant and, since 2021, deputy chief. In his current position, West assists with the day-to-day operations of the department and oversees responsibilities including accreditation, media relations, internal affairs and training. He has also helped develop and manage several department programs and initiatives.

“I am truly honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead the Franklin Police Department,” said West. “This department and this community has been an important part of my life for many years, and I do not take the responsibility that comes with this position lightly. I want to thank the Town Council and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen for their confidence in me. I would also like to thank Chief Lynch for his leadership, mentorship and for building the foundation at the FPD. I look forward to continuing that work alongside the men and women of our department.”

West brings extensive law enforcement training and leadership experience. He is a certified instructor with the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee and previously served on the Metro-LEC SWAT & Tactical Response Team. In 2025, West completed the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Before joining the Franklin Police Department, West served as a police officer with the Winthrop Police Department and as a special police officer for the City of Boston. He began his law enforcement career with the U.S. Customs Service Explorer program at Logan Airport. West also served in the United States Army Reserve before being honorably discharged.

West has received numerous honors for his service and leadership, including the Medal of Valor and Combat Cross from Metro-LEC SWAT, the Franklin Police Department Life Saving Award and the William H. Spurgeon III Leadership Award.

West holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Southern New Hampshire University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Nichols College.

“Jimmy has dedicated more than two decades to serving the Franklin community, and his experience, leadership and deep understanding of the Police Department make him an excellent choice to serve as our next chief,” said Town Council Chair Robert Dellorco. “The Town Council is confident that he will build on the strong foundation of the department while continuing to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community. We look forward to supporting him as he takes on this important role.”

“After 25 years of working alongside Deputy Chief James West, I know firsthand the character, dedication and leadership he brings to this department and our community,” said Chief Lynch. “I have complete confidence that Jimmy will lead with compassion, courage and integrity, and be an outstanding Chief of Police. He understands the people we serve, the men and women of this department and the responsibility that comes with this position. Knowing him as both a colleague and a friend, I can think of no one better to carry this department forward.”

The Town thanks Chief Lynch for more than 30 years of service and leadership to the Franklin community and looks forward to recognizing his contributions as he concludes his tenure later this fall.

Shared from the Town page - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/192

There are many Town alerts avaiable, sign up for your own copy via email or text

https://www.franklinma.gov/list.aspx

Town Council approve West as Police Chief, approves excess sewer capacity deal, & goes past 10 PM on Police Station and Town properties discussion (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday Sep 2 in Council Chambers. All 9 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 2 remotely so all votes were via roll call.

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uMeOjqTdAEw?si=qSIBaHW_AgOh6RCn&t=57

The modified agenda for this session (modified to remove the Executive Session)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482

Quick recap

• comments on Chestnut St buildings not completed, what can be done
• multiple citizens comments on Flock cameras, being addressed by the Council
• Results of the State Primary are now official as announced by Town Clerk Nancy Danello
• Appointment of James West as Police Chief was approved
• Excess sewer capacity deal with Millis and Medway approved
• Presentation on Town of Franklin properties resulted in a long dicussion ultimately around site of the Police Station. While the Police Station Building Committee was also participating, they did not make a formal presentation, did answer multiple questions. Concensus among COuncil was to review the proposed building to reduce size of building to better fit on the Davis Thayer site. Parmenter would be retained as recreation and potential other Town use. RFP for 275 Beaver St possible
• As the discussion on this Town property topic completed about 10:25 PM, the Council voted to adjourn, they did not need to vote to extend the meeting past their 10 PM self-imposed deadline. Had they attempted another topic, that would have been required

My full set of notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-5-_8ZH8wT7D-xz8WH0fdzhWQCW2jIg9/view?usp=drive_link

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"

Why is Franklin considering a new Police Station? Take a tour Sunday, Oct 5 at 6 PM to find out !!!

Franklin Police Chief TJ Lynch provides an overview of the current station as not providing enough space for the department to work effectively ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVKGwlfOXp4

Franklin Police Station Building Committee Chair Tom Mercer provides an intro to the video series as part of the project overview ->  https://youtu.be/hJjVX3ZOe9o

Franklin is one of the safest communities in America, thanks to its dedicated police force. Yet, officers operate in an outdated facility that no longer meets modern policing standards. Despite these challenges, the Franklin Police Department earned accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. A new, state-of-the-art station will provide the resources needed to keep Franklin safe for years to come.

Visit the building project page for additional info -> https://www.franklinmapoliceproject.com/

If you can't make this scheduled tour, you can take a virtual tour room by room with Chief Lynch narrating the existing conditions. On the Existing Conditions page, click to view video tours. 

On the Existing Conditions page, click to view video tours

Why is Franklin considering a new Police Station? Take a tour Sunday, Oct 5 at 6 PM to find out !!!

Note: The video tours cost the building project nothing. Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters took the pictures and almost all the video. The drone video footage was provided by Deputy Chief James West. The audio narration was provided by Chief Lynch. The audio for the overview was provided by Tom Mercer. All recording and editing was performed by Steve Sherlock as part of his community service because "Franklin Matters".

Town Council retires Fire chief, appoints new one, hears from Legislative delegates, Norfolk Cnty Sheriff & Food Pantry (audio)

FM #1507 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1507 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Meeting held Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025. 8 members were present to begin the session (Pellegri absent), one member during the long session (Chandler)

Discussion items: 

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Police Department

i. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelli

ii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLean

c. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Fire Chief  - Chuck Allen

b. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson    

c. Cultural Council

i. Ryan Hanley

ii. William Lee

iii. Caryn Parnell

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Food Pantry Update: Tina Powderly, Executive Director

b. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Update: Patrick McDermott, Norfolk County Sheriff

c. Legislative Update: Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeff Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy (Tabled from July 23, 2025 Town Council Meeting) 

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - Second Reading 

c. Resolution 25-56: Acceptance of Gifts - Veteran’s Services ($750), Senior Center ($100)  

d. Resolution 25-57: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4  

The meeting recording runs about 4 hours and 10 minutes (the recess audio was removed to shorten the elapsed time). Let’s listen in Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1507-franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-09-03-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5ILK2Y6yTw 

The agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032025-1891  

My notes captured in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XGRErMbkxyGIwR7fA0nqhhzqnrsJ-mV/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"