Tessa Gets A Ride 11/06/26 (video)

After two years of battling leukemia, 5-year-old Franklin resident Tessa Garwood has finished her treatment this month and "rang the bell".

To mark the occasion, Tessa’s family threw her a party at Fairmount Fruit Farm in Franklin on Friday evening November 6, 2026. 

The Franklin Fire Department helped make the day even more memorable by giving Tessa and her brothers a ride to the party in a fire truck! 

Franklin Police Dept jined in the fun by providing a multi-vehicle escort!

video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj1wTrHaG5k

Chief Lynch retires with the FPD escort on Thursday !!

via Franklin Police Dept:

"One of the great traditions here at the Franklin Police Department is honoring an officer on their final day before retirement with an escort to or from work by their fellow officers.

Yesterday, we had the privilege of continuing that tradition for Chief Lynch as he wrapped up his final day with the department.

After 30+ years of service to the Franklin Police Department and our community, it was only fitting that we send him off with a proper escort.

It’s official, Chief Lynch! 

Enjoy the next chapter!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ML219x8i7/

FHS Unified Basketball Charity Night scheduled for Monday, Nov 23 at 6 PM

Come join and support us at FHS unified basketball charity night! 

It starts at 6 PM on November, 23 at the FHS gym

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DfXtIDpOmMO/

Town Council hears the details on what the Flock system does / doesn't do, postpones decision to Dec 16 (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, November 4 in Council Chambers. All 9 Councilors were present for this session.

Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdruwO7IWew

The agenda document - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042026-2593 

The Police Dept presentation on Flock - https://www.franklinma.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/781

Flock Safety portal - https://www.franklinma.gov/326/Flock-Safety-Transparency-Portal

Pete Fasciano (center) with Town Council members

Quick recap:

• Recognition of former Chief Lynch with a photo of his retirement party signed by town staff
• Recognition of Pete Fasciano on his retirement after 14 years with Franklin TV
• Presentation and discussion on Flock, check the presentation copy linked here. Vote on the motion to continue discussion and vote to the Dec 16 meeting (via roll call) passed 7-2 (Dellorco & LeBlanc voted no)
• the elephant is the room is who do we trust (FPD yes) other depts (less likely) so do we thru "the proverbial baby out with the bathwater" because we lack trust in anorganization outside Franklin
• Resolution 26-59: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant with Owner-Developer of Balsam Estates, a Two-Lot Subdivision so moved, second, to protect the Town from road maintenance for road not built to standard passes 9-0
• Council entered Executive Session for negotiation matters to return to open meeting
• returning to open session 
• Resolution 26-60: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Franklin Police Association so moved, second discussion, none passes 9-0
• Resolution 26-61: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Franklin Police Sergeants Union so moved, second discussion, none passes 9-0
• Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0

My notes in one PDF https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wD0BmNBEVk43foC7spgmrjoiKJX_lpRY/view?usp=drive_link

Pictures of the evening in one album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/E55NznfV1LTfyRoL7

Agenda for Town Council meeting, Wednesday, Nov 4, 2026

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 4, 2026, 6:00 PM

1. ELECT CHAIR, VICE-CHAIR, CLERK

2. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

3. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

4. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

5. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meetings: November 12, 6pm & December 10, 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting: November 5, 12pm)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: TBD)

e. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: November 9, 4pm)

6. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

7. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation Presentation

8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled.

9. APPOINTMENTS

a. Design Review Commission: Edward Sprenkle

10. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled.

11. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

12. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Flock Cameras - Chief of Police, TJ Lynch & Deputy Chief of Police Jimmy West

i. Legislation for Action #13a

13. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-58: Authorization for the Town Administrator to Terminate the Contract Between Flock Group, Inc. and Town of Franklin

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-58 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 26-59: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant with Owner-Developer of Balsam Estates, a Two-Lot Subdivision

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-59 - Majority Vote)

14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

15. EXECUTIVE SESSION -

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (Police Patrol, Sargeants) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the Chair so declares.

16. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

a. Resolution 26-60: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Franklin Police Association

(Motion to approve Resolution 26-60 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 26-61: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Franklin Police Sergeants Union

(Motion to approve Resolution 26-61 - Majority Vote)

17. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042026-2593 

Franklin Police Dept welcomes officer Nathan Perry

"WELCOME TO THE FRANKLIN POLICE DEPARTMENT

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Officer Nathan Perry on joining the Franklin Police Department!

(L-R) Deputy Chief West, Officer Perry, Lt Collechi

Officer Perry recently graduated from the 2nd R.O.C. Marlborough Police Academy and will begin his field training this Monday.

Congratulations, Officer Perry! We’re excited to have you on the team and wish you the best as you begin this next chapter of your law enforcement career. Welcome to Franklin!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1A26Wu91oD/ 

The Franklin Police Department is proud to congratulate Dave Ricci on his promotion to Sergeant

CONGRATULATIONS, SERGEANT RICCI!

The Franklin Police Department is proud to congratulate Dave Ricci on his promotion to Sergeant!

Sgt. Ricci joined the Franklin Police Department in 2018 after transferring from the Boston Transit Police Department. Before beginning his career in law enforcement, he served our country as a U.S. Navy Corpsman.

Throughout his service to Franklin, Sgt. Ricci has made a tremendous impact on our department. He serves as the FPD’s Veterans Liaison Officer, is one of our medical coordinators and instructors, and has been instrumental in enhancing department training.

Sgt. Ricci developed our EpiPen program, Combat Casualty Care program, and in-house CPR/First Responder training program, helping ensure our officers are better prepared to respond when seconds matter. His dedication and service to the Town of Franklin have also earned him numerous awards and recognitions.

Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Dave Ricci on this well-deserved promotion!

Town of Franklin

Speed limit on Chestnut Street is now 30 MPH for its entire length

"30 is the new 40!

Heads up, Franklin! The speed limit on Chestnut Street is now 30 MPH for its entire length.

Please slow down, stay alert, and watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists.

Help us keep Franklin’s roads safe for everyone. Drive safely! "

Town of Franklin

Franklin Department of Public Works

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/19buyhYhJd/ 

Traffic & Radar requests for Franklin, MA nieghborhoods can now be made online

via Franklin Police Dept

"Have a traffic concern in your neighborhood?

Got drivers treating your neighborhood like the Mass Pike? Stop signs that seem to be more of a suggestion? Speed limits that apparently nobody got the memo about?

The Franklin Police Department accepts requests for radar enforcement and targeted traffic enforcement to help address traffic concerns throughout town.

📍 Think your street could use a little extra attention? Let us know!

👉 Submit a Safety Division Service Request here:"

https://franklinma.gov/FormCenter/Police-Safety-Division-7/Safety-Division-Service-Request-48

Franklin Police Department welcomes Officer Patrick Slason

via Franklin Police Dept

"Please join us in welcoming Officer Patrick Slason to the Franklin Police Department!

Officer Slason joins the FPD as a transfer from the New Bedford Police Department, where he served for the past year. He is a graduate of the Plymouth Police Academy and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps prior to beginning his career in law enforcement. 

In addition to his military and law enforcement experience, Officer Slason holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Suffolk University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice.

Officer Slason is currently assigned to our Patrol Division and Field Training Program, where he will continue building on his experience while serving the Franklin community.

We are excited to welcome Officer Slason to the team and look forward to working with him!

Welcome to Franklin, Officer Slason!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1W3iSBj9rg/ 

Community Heroes Day celebrated at the Children's Museum with Free Entry Oct 7, 2026

THIS Wednesday, Oct 7, we’re celebrating the people who help keep our community safe — and museum admission is FREE all day!

🚒 Community Heroes Day — Wednesday, October 7, 9 am–2 pm

Join us for a special day of play, exploration and community connection.

🚓 Touch-a-Truck with Franklin Police & Fire Franklin Police Franklin Fire Department 

🦺 Hands-on safety programming

🎟️ FREE museum admission all day

Community Heroes Day is made possible with support from Dean Bank.

It’s BACKKKKKKKK!!! - Celebrate Halloween at the Franklin Police Station - Saturday October 24

via Officer Frankie

"It’s BACKKKKKKKK!!! 

Come on down to the Franklin Police Station on Saturday October 24th from 2 PM - 5 PM and celebrate Halloween with your favorite spooky Officers. 

Come one come all, everyone is welcome and it’s FREE to the public.  

And make sure you say hello to Ben and I as we make our way around. 

Hope to see you all there!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DdSnhutOx5H/

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/

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

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

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

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"

Please join us for our 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

We would like to invite our community to join us as we honor the memory of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and recognize the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call.

📅 Friday, September 11th at 9:00 AM

📍 Franklin Fire Headquarters

40 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

Reminder: Bike and Helmet Safety Event - September 12 - 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Franklin High School

When:    September 12th, 9:30-11:00 AM

Where:     Franklin High School Parking Lot

Hosted by Alison Rheaume, Representative Roy, and the Franklin Police Department

Free helmets!! (while supplies last)

• free bike raffle
• bike course*
• coloring table*
• fire truck
• vendor tables
• decorate your helmet*
• “Buddy the Brain” story stroll

*All activities include adaptive options!

visit the event webpage for additional details - 

https://alirheaume.com/safetyevent

Franklin Police Department advice for Lincoln St parents (and those who use Lincoln St during school start and end time frames)

"First things first… yes, we used a picture of Ben to get your attention. 

It worked. You’re here. Mission accomplished. 

Now for the important part:

📚 Student Drop-Off: Please do NOT arrive at Lincoln Street School before 8:10 AM.

🏫 Student Pick-Up: Please do NOT arrive before 2:35 PM.

When vehicles begin lining up well before the designated times, the line can quickly stretch several hundred feet onto Lincoln Street and come to a complete standstill.

And when traffic stops moving, we start seeing vehicles attempting to pass the line by entering the oncoming traffic lane. That creates a significant safety concern for students, families, pedestrians, and everyone else using Lincoln Street.

⏰ The goal is simple: Please arrive at 8:10 AM for arrival and 2:35 PM for dismissal — and not before.

Doing so should help keep the line moving continuously, even if that movement occasionally resembles a very slow-moving parade.

For everyone traveling through the Lincoln Street area during arrival and dismissal, we also ask for a little patience during the first few weeks of school.

Consider this your official invitation to:

🎧 Start that audiobook you’ve been meaning to listen to

🎶 Enjoy your favorite playlist

☕ Take a deep breath and finish your coffee

🧘 Practice some mindful meditation

📱 Or simply remind yourself that you, too, were once responsible for getting to school on time.

Most importantly, please do not pass stopped traffic in the oncoming lane. A few extra minutes of patience is worth keeping everyone safe.

Thank you for helping us keep Lincoln Street School traffic safe, predictable, and moving!

And remember… Ben is watching. 

Franklin Public School District MA

Town of Franklin"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1HEwz1pttQ/

Franklin Police Dept: "SCHOOL’S IN (almost). SLOW DOWN."

"The flashing lights are on, the school zone signs are out, and our students are almost back!

When those lights are flashing, the school-zone speed limit is 20 MPH. That isn’t a suggestion, a challenge, or a recommendation. It’s the law.

Kids can be unpredictable. They may cross the street, step into a crosswalk, or suddenly appear from between parked cars. Slowing down gives everyone more time to react and helps keep our children safe.

20 means 20. Not 25. Not 30. And definitely not “ I’m late for work.”

Please slow down, stay alert, put the phone down, and watch carefully for children, pedestrians, buses, and crossing guards."

— Your friendly neighborhood Franklin Police Department

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18LpMKQJpH/

Bike and Helmet Safety Event - September 12 - 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

When:    September 12th, 9:30-11:00 AM

Where:     Franklin High School Parking Lot

Hosted by Alison Rheaume, Representative Roy, and the Franklin Police Department

Free helmets!! (while supplies last)

• free bike raffle
• bike course*
• coloring table*
• fire truck
• vendor tables
• decorate your helmet*
• “Buddy the Brain” story stroll

*All activities include adaptive options!

visit the event webpage for additional details - 

https://alirheaume.com/safetyevent

Catch up to see the daily duties of Officer Frankie (video reel)

"What a weeek it’s been and it’s only Wednesday 

Last Friday we went to a touch a truck at the Learning Express, yesterday we went and visited at the Medway Police Camp, visit ECDC Pond Street, last night we went to the Ashland Police Departments National night out, and today we got to meet the incoming middle schoolers at the Franklin Middle School.

I got to see so many of my two legged and four legged friends 

Ohhhhh and Dad and I got our new ride.  It’s soooooo nice!!!! 

Time to answer calls then go home and play ball. 

Thank you to everyone who included us in their special events"

video reel at Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/reels/Dbqyxk-uXdn/

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Officer_Frankie (@officer_frankie)

Franklin Police Dept: Now Hiring: Co-Response Clinician

The Franklin Police Department is seeking a compassionate, licensed (or license-eligible) mental health professional to join our team as a Co-Response Clinician.

In this rewarding role, you'll partner directly with Franklin Police officers to respond to calls for service, provide on-scene crisis intervention, conduct clinical assessments, connect individuals and families with community resources, and help improve outcomes during behavioral health emergencies.

🕒 Schedule:

Wednesday–Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (40 hours/week; schedule subject to change)

💰 Salary: $71,000–$85,000 annually

We're looking for someone with:

✔ Master's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field

✔ 2+ years of crisis intervention experience

✔ Experience working with law enforcement and knowledge of the Co-Response model

✔ Strong communication, collaboration, and crisis management skills

📅 Priority Application Deadline: August 8, 2026

📧 How to Apply:

Email your resume and cover letter (or a Town of Franklin employment application) in Microsoft Word or PDF format to apply@franklinma.gov with "Co-Response Clinician" in the subject line.

Join us in making a meaningful difference by connecting individuals in crisis with the care and resources they need while helping keep our community safe.

A full job description and posting can be found here: 

https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9240/Co-Response-Clinician