Franklin Police: Deputy Chief James West Graduates from FBI National Academy

On December 12, 2025, Chief Thomas Lynch announced that Deputy Chief James West has graduated as a member of the 296th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on December 11th, 2025. Deputy Chief West is the fourth officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

 

Deputy Chief James West

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 11 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

The 296th session consisted of two hundred and fifty-four law enforcement officers who graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 296th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and two federal civilian organizations.

Deputy Chief West started his law enforcement career in Winthrop, MA in 1996 before transferring to the Franklin Police Department in 2001. He rose through the ranks and served as Sergeant, Lieutenant and currently holds the rank of Deputy Chief of Police. Deputy Chief West has also served on the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and served as an academy drill instructor for many years for the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DSSw5z5iXS0/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, December 13, 2025 ???

Saturday, December 13

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

9:00am St Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Meeting (St. Mary's Parish)

9:00am Winter Coat Giveaway (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:00am A-Wreath-of-Franklin celebration (THE BLACK BOX)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Pictures with Santa (Franklin Police Department)

10:30am Jamie Barrett (live music) (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Pancakes & pajamas (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library Books by the Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Holiday Stories & Sing-a-Long (Franklin United Methodist Church)

7:30pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Morin's Hometown Bar & Grille, Attleboro)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on A Wreath of Franklin, please visit the event page ->   https://franklinartsculture.my.canva.site/wreath25-program-site

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

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

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Pictures with Santa at the Franklin Police Dept - Saturday, Dec 13 from 10 AM to noon

Pictures with Santa at the Franklin Police Dept
 - Saturday, Dec 13 from 10 AM to noon

"Join us this Saturday December 13 from 10 AM - 12 PM for pictures with Santa at the Franklin Police Department. 

It’s not required to get a picture but we will still be collecting toys for our holiday toy drive! 

We hope to see you there!"

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/17oM386Mfe/

Franklin Police issue scam alert on cryptocurrency related scams

SCAM ALERT

Franklin Police issue scam alert on cryptocurrency related scams


Our department is seeing a rise in cryptocurrency-related scams targeting community members. Scammers often pose as government agencies, utility companies, or even law enforcement and demand payment in crypto.

Remember:

* No legitimate agency will ever request payment in cryptocurrency. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER.

* Never send crypto to someone you don’t personally know.

* Be cautious of unsolicited messages, urgent demands, or threats.

* When in doubt — hang up, delete the message, and contact us directly. IT CAN WAIT.

Stay alert and help spread the word to keep our community safe!

If you have any concerns regarding these crypto scams please contact Detective Flynn at 508-440-2720.

Franklin Police Dept issue "TOY DRIVE ALERT"

TOY DRIVE ALERT

Franklin Police Dept issue "TOY DRIVE ALERT"

It’s that time of the year for our annual Holiday Toy Drive! We will be collecting toys the day after Thanksgiving, November 28th, from 9am-1pm at Marshall’s and BJs in Franklin. 

We will also be collecting toys at the station in the front lobby until December 12th. You can also donate toys in the lobby for the Franklin Fire Department headquarters on West Central Street. 

All donations go to Franklin families and the Santa Foundation!

If you can’t donate in person, check out our Amazon link: 

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2NNZ6AUQ5ZY8A

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dfp58ugfU/

FPS Police Station Halloween Event not happening this year

FPS Police Station Halloween Event not happening this year

FPD HALLOWEEN PARTY

We’ve received several inquiries regarding our annual Halloween Party at the station. Unfortunately, this will be the first time in over two decades that we will not be able to host this party.

Following the results of the proposition 2.5% override the Franklin Police Department lost $250,000 out of our operational budget. This resulted in the elimination of 2 full-time patrol officer positions. With the two openings, two officers from the Community Service Unit/School Resource Officers were reassigned to the patrol division to fill the open vacancies and low staffing. The Community Service Unit was responsible for coordinating this large yearly party. With the reduced CSU staffing, events like this are simply not possible due to staffing restrictions. CSU Officers serve as School Resource Officers and their primary responsibilities are with the Franklin Public Schools. We hope that if staffing levels increase we will be able to throw this party and other community events again.

If you are looking for some festive Halloween activities this weekend. Make sure to check out the Franklin Lions Trunk or Treat this Saturday 4 PM - 6 PM at the Franklin High School.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/17as4UP4Vy/

"School Resource Officers don't just wear a badge: they build trust, keep peace, and stay sharp under pressure"

via Officer Frankie: 

"School Resource Officers don't just
 wear a badge:  they build trust,
keep peace, and stay sharp under pressure"

"Sorry not sorry, this is the most important job in any police department, it also comes with the most RESPONSIBILITY. 

SRO’s do more for students and staff than anyone will ever know.  In this day and age being a police officer is a very tough job. Most of the time when we show up it’s on a persons worst day. 

Our Officers do so many good things, and yet most only focus on the negatives. Most of the time the only communications our department receives are complaints. 

On our website there is a form to praise or thank an officer for his/her behaviors."

Here is the site:  https://www.franklinma.gov/FormCenter/Police-7/Commend-a-Franklin-Police-Officer-49

Shared from: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP1yX8Hjljz/

Town of Franklin: Human Resources is looking for candidates for positions in Conservation, Fire Dept, Library, Police Dept, Facilities & DPW

To be considered for an open position, please submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format via email to Human Resources. 

Be sure to include the job title in the subject line of your email to ensure accurate processing. 

If you do not have a resume, you may submit a completed Application for Employment (PDF) as an alternative.

• Director of Conservation - Conservation Department 
• Licensed Plumber  - Facilities Department
• Firefighter / Paramedic - Franklin Fire Department
• Librarian - Youth Services - Franklin Public Library
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator-  Department of Public Works
• Co-Response Clinician - Police Department
• Custodian (part-time) - Facilities

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/228/Job-Opportunities

Town Council welcomed 2 new Police hires, moved zoning bylaws to 2nd reading, hears of solicitation process, and personnel updates (audio)

FM #1517 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1517 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September  17, 2025. 7 of the 9 members of the committee were present (Chandler, Pellegri absent). 

Quick recap:

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election status

• School Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked

• 2 new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members

• 2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning area

• In legislation for action 

• all 8 of the zoning changes moved to a second reading

• The Council voted to formalize the early in person voting schedule for the November election as announced

• A couple of water & sewer extensions were approved

• A definition of a collection container was accepted and authorized to extend the current use by religious organizations to non-profits, in particular the American Legion and VFW

• A presentation on Solicitation Permits by Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West was made to provide some info on the process in response to an incident earlier this year. 

• In the Town Administrator's Report 2 key items were covered; 

• one a series of personnel moves; B Taberner's replacement was announced, M Kinhart and M D'Angelo are retiring, Breeka Li Goodlander to return from pregnancy leave in mid-Oct; 

• second, the Assessors revealed new growth will be about $271,000 shorter than projected earlier this year. This will need to be adjusted somehow before the tax rate hearing in Nov/Dec. It seems to be reflecting the slowdown in growth due to interest rates, uncertainty, and the 'nimby-factor', etc.

• The Council entered into executive session not to return to public meeting

The recording runs about 2 hours & 16 minutes

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1517-town-council-mtg-09-17-25/

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

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQsgBfKN8cY 

The agenda and docs released for this session can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

My notes in a single PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNwWCGlCOgPnqbmMecTz5TqaesbmSt4z/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"

Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught

Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught getting pinned

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2+ hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

FM #1514 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1514 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 17, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Announcements from the Chair

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election status

• School Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked

• 2 Police Dept new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members

• 2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning area

• In legislation for action 

• all 8 of the zoning changes moved to a second reading

• The Council voted to formalize the early in person voting schedule for the November election as announced

• A couple of water & sewer extensions were approved

• A definition of a collection container was accepted and authorized to extend the current use by religious organizations to non-profits, in particular the American Legion and VFW

• A presentation on Solicitation Permits by Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West was made to provide some info on the process in response to an incident earlier this year. 

• In the Town Administrator's Report 2 key items were covered; 

• Qne - a series of personnel moves; B Taberner's replacement was announced, M Kinhart and M D'Angelo are retiring, Breeka Li Goodlander to return from pregnancy leave in mid-Oct; 

• Second - the Assessors revealed new growth will be about $271,000 shorter than projected earlier this year. This will need to be adjusted somehow before the tax rate hearing in Nov/Dec. It seems to be reflecting the slowdown in growth due to interest rates, uncertainty, and the 'nimby-factor', etc.

The conversation runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1514-town-council-quarterbacking-09-18-25/

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

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQsgBfKN8cY 

The agenda and docs released for this session can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

My notes in a single PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNwWCGlCOgPnqbmMecTz5TqaesbmSt4z/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"

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2+ hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)