Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Franklin Police Dept: Now Hiring: Co-Response Clinician
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Franklin Police Dept shares E-Bike Operation Rules and Law
The Town of Franklin E-Bike Users are required to follow general bicycle and e-bike laws enacted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under G.L. c. 85, § 11B3/4, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are treated the same as pedal-powered bicycles. Massachusetts Laws about Bicycles.
You’re riding a MOTORIZED BIKE!You must have a driver’s license, registration, and a moped license plate.
Any e-bike exceeding the power or speed thresholds of Class 1 or 2 or has been modified is considered a “motorized bicycle” under M.G.L. c. 90, § 1. Violators will be towed and face criminal charges.
E-Bike operation is prohibited on:
- On sidewalks, unless expressly permitted by local ordinance
- NRC Trails
- Playing Fields
- Dirt Paths
- School Fields
- Public Roads
- Bike Lanes
- Shared Paved Paths
Traffic Laws: Riders must follow traffic laws as motor vehicles & traditional bicycles, including obeying traffic signals, yielding to pedestrians, and riding safely and predictably.
Scooters Laws and Regulations: Users are required to follow general scooter laws enacted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under G.L. c. 90, § 1E
- Riders must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
- Helmets are required.
- Maximum speed is 20 mph.
- No passengers allowed.
- Riding not permitted after sunset or before sunrise.
- Not allowed to be operated on sidewalks.
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/pfbid02K3pUeA2HB6j6Ev2ARL1LjRhwBcP379a7qNcorS71yAz4RYZmPC8F55AjsDXNmjKkl
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Reminder: Franklin Police Annual Golf Tournament - Aug 31, 2026
- Scholarships for Franklin High School seniors
- Local youth sports teams
- Events like the annual luncheon at the Senior Center
- Supplemental support for our holiday toy drive
- …and more
✔️ Register your foursome✔️ Explore sponsorship opportunities✔️ Make a donation if you’d like to support the cause
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Involving Bicyclist Under Investigation
Officers from the Franklin Police Department and members of the Franklin Fire Department responded to the scene and immediately initiated life-saving measures. The bicyclist was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The victim has been identified as a 15-year-old Franklin resident.
The crash remains under investigation by the Franklin Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office. The operator of the involved vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
The Franklin Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident.
No other information is being released at this time. Any other inquiries should be made to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office.
Town Council witnesses backfill new hires sworn in & approves committee appointments (audio)
FM #1772 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 172 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers.
The meeting recording runs about 1 hours and 40 minutes
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1772-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-17-26/--------------
![]() |
| Town Council poses with backfill new hires |
Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/7ofs1YHsfj8?&t=66
The agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368
My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUd2GRsw73fPm4FS9hC690X-hR_aIM4s/view?usp=drive_link
Photos of the swearing in's - https://photos.app.goo.gl/U8E77Df5E6pp41iBA
-------------
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"
Friday, June 19, 2026
Town Council witnesses backfill new hires sworn in & approves committee appointments (video)
- Town Council witnessed and welcomed
- Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - Johnna Moitoso
- Swearing in of new Clinician - Danielle Machado
- Swearing in of new Officer - Caleb MacLean
- Note: These folks are all backfilling positions already part of the authorized hire level and which were open due to individuals leaving for some reason. The 2 School Resource officers recently authorized for FY 2027 are not expected to be filled until October
- Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members were approved. There are approx. 20 positions across 8 boards/committees still open. Applications can be made online https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php
- 2 resolutions to prepare to close out the FY 2026 budget as the fiscal year approaches June 30
- General Funds Appropriations, Transfers and Adjustments FY26
- FY26 Snow and Ice Stabilization Account Transfer
![]() |
| Town Council poses with backfill new hires |
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Humidity did not keep the folks away, the Strawberry Stroll saw an increase in participants
![]() |
| From Main St between Dean and the Library looking towards Emmons St |
- Lots of happy faces were seen
- Many conversations were held
- Folks hopefully left with more info about what is available in Franklin
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Bellingham and Franklin Police Departments Seek Charges Following Pursuit Through Multiple Communities: Updated - Arrest made
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Are you ready for the Franklin Police Annual Golf Tournament - Aug 31, 2026 at Franklin Country Club ???
- Scholarships for Franklin High School seniors
- Local youth sports teams
- Events like the annual luncheon at the Senior Center
- Supplemental support for our holiday toy drive
- …and more
✔️ Register your foursome✔️ Explore sponsorship opportunities✔️ Make a donation if you’d like to support the cause
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Bellingham Police arrest Franklin resident following a road rage incident
Monday, June 1, 2026
During Mental Health Awareness Month take the time to ask “How are you really doing?”
![]() |
| During Mental Health Awareness Month take the time to ask “How are you really doing?” |
Remember:
• Listen without judgment
• Encourage others to seek help when needed
• Support one another through difficult times
• Know that mental health challenges can affect anyone
As a community, we are stronger when we stand together and support each other.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Co-response program making an impact for Franklin
![]() |
| Co-response program making an impact for Franklin |
Through the partnership between our officers and co-response clinicians, we are able to respond to mental health, substance use, and crisis-related calls with a focus on care, de-escalation, and access to services.
In the past year:
• 881 cases were referred to the Co-Response Program
• 44 individuals were diverted from arrest and connected to treatment
• 142 individuals were diverted from unnecessary emergency department visits
Our goal remains simple: helping people get the support they need while keeping them safely connected to community resources whenever possible.
We are proud of the work being done every day through this collaborative effort to support the wellbeing of our residents."
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Franklin Police Department conduct annual awards ceremony
"Today (5/10/26) we gathered together — patrol officers, supervisors, command staff, retirees, families, and friends — to honor the officers who stood out this year during our annual award ceremony.
As officers, accepting awards is never easy. Many of the calls we respond to are during the worst moments of someone’s life. We do not do this job for recognition; most of us simply feel like we are doing the job we took an oath to do.
What is important, however, is recognizing the families who stand beside us through the hard days, sad days, quiet days, and the “I don’t want to talk about it” days. Our families carry this job with us, often without ever seeing firsthand why those days happen. Ceremonies like today give them the opportunity to understand why so many call these officers heroes, even when they don’t see themselves that way.
It was our honor to recognize the following members today:
Life Saving Award:
- Officer David Gove and Officer Joseph Burchill
Honorable Service Award:
- Sergeant John Godino
Leadership Award:
- Lieutenant Michael Colecchi
Exceptional Duty Award:
- Officers Eric Cusson, Nicholas Storelli, David Ricci, Robert Burchill and Timothy Trubiano
Letters of Merit:
- Sergeant Louis Marguerite and Kalman Koblick Detective Tara Lagoa
- Officers Eric Cusson, Jovan Bielski, Andrew Viall, Nicholas Storelli, Robert Young, Derek Mackey, Conor Desmond, Kevin Quinn, Timothy Trubiano, Victoria McVicar, Robert Burchill, Jonathan Butler, Kevin Quinn, David Ricci, Jonathan Giron and Richard Martini
- Clinician Kallie Montagano
Congratulations to all of today’s recipients, and thank you to every member of the Franklin Police Department and their families for your sacrifice, professionalism, and dedication to this community every single day."
Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GH7Pisbww/
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Franklin Fire & Police members received the EMS Service/Organization Of The Year Award
![]() |
| Franklin Fire & Police members received the EMS Service/Organization Of The Year Award |
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Franklin Police Annual Golf Tournament - Aug 31, 2026
- Scholarships for Franklin High School seniors
- Local youth sports teams
- Events like the annual luncheon at the Senior Center
- Supplemental support for our holiday toy drive
- …and more
✔️ Register your foursome✔️ Explore sponsorship opportunities✔️ Make a donation if you’d like to support the cause
Friday, May 1, 2026
Rescue Task Force training at the former Davis Thayer Elementary School conducted Apr 28-29, 2026
![]() |
| Rescue Task Force training at the former Davis Thayer Elementary School conducted Apr 28-29 |
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Town Council hears from NatinalGrid, Fire Dept, and Police Dept and completes session within 4 hours - April 15 (audio)
FM #1734 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1734 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 8 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 1 remotely, hence all votes were recorded via roll call.
The meeting recording runs 3 hours and 50 minutes
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1734-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-04-15-26/--------------
Franklin Matters recap - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/town-council-hears-from-natinalgrid.html
Franklin TV video for replay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z7xJHgZ4lI
The agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152026-2251
My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w2q_cMoAOiQs0picPbtkZonCRTXqxI63/view?usp=drive_link
Photos of the NationGrid presentation
https://photos.app.goo.gl/XPcwTx5vSXnDjQdy8
Link to Fire presentation
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14vWcLc710A9CkTSgpJ0Tg3jcHcbR3zaY/view?usp=drive_link
Link to Police presentation
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yF7LNhdfHfpOL_sq8gIaWpW2eQCgT8MG/view?usp=drive_link
![]() |
| page from Police presentation on recent budget history |
-------------
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"













