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

The sun was bright, shade was sought to give a bit of relief from the humidity but the crowds kept coming. 

• Lots of happy faces were seen
• Many conversations were held
• Folks hopefully left with more info about what is available in Franklin

Thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership and all their vendors, organizations and volunteers for pulling this together. And of course to Franklin Police and Fire for their expert assistance in traffic control and with the occasional heat affected individuals.

Bellingham and Franklin Police Departments Seek Charges Following Pursuit Through Multiple Communities: Updated - Arrest made

On June 9, 2026, at approximately 8:52 a.m., Officer Dan Gavin attempted to stop a blue Ford Ranger on Pulaski Boulevard. The vehicle is known to officers as being commonly operated by Dominick Revell, 54, of Franklin. Revell, who has an extensive criminal history, has several active warrants for his arrest and a revoked driver’s license.

Bellingham and Franklin Police Departments

The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued, continuing into Franklin, where officers from the Franklin Police Department joined the effort. During the pursuit, stop sticks were successfully deployed on Grove Street in Franklin, deflating the vehicle's passenger-side tires.

Despite the damage, the vehicle continued traveling through Franklin, briefly approaching the Medway town line before ultimately coming to a stop on Pond Street in Franklin. During the pursuit, the vehicle struck several mailboxes. After stopping, the operator exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The suspect jumped over a fence, swam across a small river, and continued into a wooded area.

Officers from the Bellingham and Franklin Police Departments established a perimeter and requested assistance from regional K9 teams and drone operators. K9 teams from the Milford and Millis Police Departments responded to assist, along with drone operators from the Bellingham and Franklin Police Departments. One K9 track led officers to a residence on Partridge Street in Franklin. The address is known to law enforcement and was listed on Revell's active warrants. Officers searched the residence but were unable to locate the suspect.

The Bellingham Police Department will be seeking an additional warrant charging Revell with Failure to Stop for Police, Reckless Operation, Operating After Suspension, Speeding, and multiple other motor vehicle violations.

The Franklin Police Department will be seeking an additional warrant charging Revell with several motor vehicle violations, including Leaving the Scene of Property Damage and Reckless Operation.

Anyone with information about Revell's current whereabouts is asked to contact police.

Bellingham Police Lieutenant Stephen Daigle

Franklin Police Sergeant Connor Crosman

Public Information Officers

Updated via Franklin Police: 6/09/26 8:15 PM

POND STREET/PARTRIDGE STREET WARRANT ARREST

"The suspect involved in today’s earlier pursuit, Dominick Revell, has been located and taken into custody in Franklin.

Revell was apprehended through the coordinated efforts of the Franklin and Bellingham MA Police and was taken into custody without incident. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Bellingham Police Department for processing.

The Franklin Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance and cooperation in bringing this incident to a safe resolution."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JHmHYAY4f/

Are you ready for the Franklin Police Annual Golf Tournament - Aug 31, 2026 at Franklin Country Club ???

Mark your calendars for August 31, 2026 and join us at Franklin Country Club for a great day of golf, community, and giving back!

This isn’t just a tournament—it’s our ONLY annual fundraiser, and it directly supports so much in our community, including:

• 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

Scan the QR code OR register here:   https://birdease.com/35204

✔️ Register your foursome

✔️ Explore sponsorship opportunities

✔️ Make a donation if you’d like to support the cause

Whether you’re playing, sponsoring, or donating—every bit makes a difference right here in Franklin.

Grab your friends, swing for a cause, and help us continue giving back to the community we’re proud to serve 

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BVK9VG3wV/

Bellingham Police arrest Franklin resident following a road rage incident

Franklin Police update via Bellingham Police

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On June 2, 2026, at approximately 6:43 PM, the Bellingham Public Safety Communications Center received a report of a male party pointing a firearm at another male party following a road rage incident on Maple Street.

Bellingham Police Officers responded to the area and quickly identified a suspect vehicle and operator. The Franklin Police Department was notified and requested to be on the lookout for the suspect.

A short time later, Franklin Police Officers located the suspect still inside the vehicle in the parking lot of the 99 Restaurant in Franklin. Bellingham Officers responded to the scene, interviewed the suspect, and recovered a loaded firearm.

The suspect, identified as Stephen Fahey, 61, of Franklin, was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Bellingham Police Department for booking.

Fahey was arraigned this morning in Milford District Court on charges including:

Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon

Carrying a Firearm While Intoxicated

Disturbing the Peace

The Bellingham Police Department would like to thank the Franklin Police Department for their assistance in the investigation and apprehension of the suspect.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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

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?”

via Franklin Police Dept

"During Mental Health Awareness Month, the Franklin Police Department would like to remind everyone that a simple check-in can make a world of difference.

Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor, taking the time to ask “How are you really doing?” can help someone feel seen, heard, and supported.

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.

You are never alone."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DY4zqg-REY5/

Co-response program making an impact for Franklin

via Franklin Police Dept

Co-response program making an impact for Franklin 

"As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end the Franklin Police Department’s Co-Response Program continues to make a meaningful impact in our community by connecting individuals with the help and support they need during difficult times.

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."

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYz1YTDpwAL/

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/

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

Via Franklin Fire Dept:

Last night (05/05/26) members from Group 4 along with members of the Franklin Police Department were on hand to receive the EMS Service/Organization Of The Year Award from the Central Mass EMS Corporation for both departments.  

This great teamwork was critical for baby Gianna who suffered a life threatening medical emergency last year. We are extremely proud of both departments and the health of baby Gianna.  

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18nNVFP61r/

The incident last year was recapped here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/officer-dave-gove-and-officer-amanda.html

Franklin Police Annual Golf Tournament - Aug 31, 2026

Mark your calendars for August 31, 2026 and join us at Franklin Country Club for a great day of golf, community, and giving back!

This isn’t just a tournament—it’s our ONLY annual fundraiser, and it directly supports so much in our community, including:

• 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

Scan the QR code OR register here:   https://birdease.com/35204

✔️ Register your foursome

✔️ Explore sponsorship opportunities

✔️ Make a donation if you’d like to support the cause

Whether you’re playing, sponsoring, or donating—every bit makes a difference right here in Franklin.

Grab your friends, swing for a cause, and help us continue giving back to the community we’re proud to serve 

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BVK9VG3wV/

Rescue Task Force training at the former Davis Thayer Elementary School conducted Apr 28-29, 2026

via Town of Franklin:

Rescue Task Force training at the former Davis
Thayer Elementary School conducted Apr 28-29

"On April 28–29, members of the Franklin Police and Fire Departments, alongside the Medway Fire Department, participated in Rescue Task Force training at Davis Thayer Elementary School.

These hands-on, simulated exercises focused on coordinated response during an active shooter incident, bringing police and fire personnel together to practice real-time decision-making, communication, and lifesaving tactics.

Regular trainings like this are critical to ensuring our public safety teams are prepared to respond quickly, effectively, and collaboratively in high-risk situations.

We’re grateful to all who participated and to those who support ongoing preparedness efforts in our community."

Shared from (and additional photos can be found) - https://www.facebook.com/share/1L3xzWKLvj/

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/

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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"

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Franklin Police Department

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing. 

General Purpose

The mission of the Franklin Police Department is to work collaboratively in partnership with our community to enhance the quality of life in our town, while maintaining order and protecting the people we serve. We will accomplish this mission by providing high quality law enforcement service, doing so with professionalism, honor and integrity.

Core Functions

● Operations Division

○ Our primary function as stated in our Mission Statement is to enhance the quality of life while protecting and serving the Citizens of the Town of Franklin and the general public at large. This responsibility is accomplished by all employees of the department, but mostly through the efforts of the Operations Division who handle a majority of the requests for service the agency receives. This division consists of one Lieutenant, seven (7) Sergeants and thirty-four (34) patrol officers. The main task of the Operations Division is motorized patrol, responding to calls for service, traffic enforcement, parking related issues and performing initial investigations. The FPD

Co-Response Program consisting of three (3) highly trained mental health clinicians is also assigned to the Operations Division.

 

● Specialized Services Division

○ Our Specialized Services Division, led by a Lieutenant, is divided into two separate functions consisting of the Criminal Investigations / Court Unit and the Community Services Unit. The Criminal investigations / Court Unit consists of one sergeant, five (5) investigative officers, and one court officer. Their responsibility is the investigation of all major crimes, narcotics investigations, and follow-up investigations received as a result of initial reports submitted by the Operations Division. Due to the ever-present threat of illegal narcotics, one of the investigators is exclusively tasked with investigating narcotics related activities and one investigator is assigned

full-time in a multi-agency task force with the Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) agency of the Treasury Department. The Court Prosecutor is responsible for all District, Superior and Juvenile court cases making sure they are well prepared and ready for successful prosecution.

● Community Services Unit

○ Our Community Services Unit consisting of one sergeant and one patrol officer is primarily tasked with providing services to the public schools. It is our belief that their presence has been nothing short of a positive experience for students, faculty, the police department and town. Their activities include programs working with our elderly, youth, schools and local businesses.

● Administrative Services Division

○ The Administrative Services Division is responsible for managing all administrative related tasks such as records, information technology, accounting, finance, personnel, scheduling, facilities management, grant management, recruitment & training, firearms licensing, etc. To accomplish these tasks the division consists of one Lieutenant, one administrative patrol officer and two (2) civilian administrative personnel.

Staffing

● One (1) Police Chief

● One (1) Deputy Police Chief

● Three (3) Police Lieutenants

● Nine (9) Police Sergeants

● Forty-two (42) Police Officers

● Two (2) Administrative Civilian Personnel

● Three (3) Mental Health Clinicians

 

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Law Enforcement Accreditation

○ On October 26, 2022, the Franklin Police Department was awarded Law Enforcement Accreditation by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC). After five years of hard work and tireless determination by personnel, the department met the 382 standards necessary to obtain accreditation. Achieving accreditation is not an easy task. Of the 351 municipalities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts only 121 have achieved accreditation. Only 11 of the 28 communities in Norfolk County have been awarded accreditation. Accreditation is of paramount importance to the Franklin Police Department and the community we serve. It signifies our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional policing, best practices, and accountability. This continuous process ensures that our policies, procedures, and operations are not only effective but also align with the most current and recognized best practices in law enforcement. An accredited agency needs to complete a reaccreditation process every three years. On October 29, 2025, the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) voted to award Re-Accreditation to the Franklin Police Department for another three-year period.

● Therapy Dog Program

○ In February, 2019, the department established a Therapy Dog Program with the purchase of Ben Franklin (Golden Retriever puppy). Ben immediately won over the hearts of the town residents and people throughout the country due to his continuing antics.

○ To capitalize on the success of the program, increase availability of a therapy dog when needed and to ensure the continuity of the program; the department purchased “Frankie”, a female chocolate Labrador Retriever in February, 2023. Frankie has completed her training program for therapy dogs and friendly find training, so she may be used to locate missing individuals during search and rescue incidents.

● Police Station Project

○ The Franklin Police Station Committee was formed through a resolution of the Town Council in early 2023. The Franklin Police Station project involves the construction of a new, modern facility to better serve the community and meet the operational needs of the police department. The project aims to improve safety, efficiency, and accessibility for the officers and the public. The current facility is outdated and does not meet the department’s needs in terms of space, technology, or operational efficiency. Upgrading to a new station will enhance public safety services, provide adequate training and workspaces for officers and ensure compliance with modern building and security standards. The Police Station Building Committee has worked with an Owners Project Manager (CHA Consulting) and a design architect (Kaestle Boos Associates) since March, 2025 to create the design of a new facility and locate an appropriate site for the new station. Public tours of the existing facility and a video series of the current station have been completed and are available on the project’s website.

● Two-Way Radio Communication Project

○ With the completion of phase 2 of the two-way radio and communication project two years ago, the department is continuing to work with the Facilities Department and the Franklin Fire Department to modernize our public safety communications system. Phase 3 includes two initiatives, the first is obtaining a simulcast license from the Federal Communications Commission and the purchase and installation of simulcast equipment at several transmission locations. The second is the construction of a radio tower in northern Franklin by a private vendor with the ability for public safety communications equipment installation. We are excited to report that the simulcast system has been completed and after a year in service, is working very well by providing a more enhanced two-way radio system. The construction of the tower in the north end of town is currently underway and we are in the process of obtaining additional licenses and equipment for installation.

● FPD Co-Response Team

○ The Franklin Police Department Co-Response Program was initially launched by a third-party behavioral health agency contracted through the Department of Mental Health in November of 2018. The program began as a regional Jail Diversion Program, partnering the Franklin Police Department and the Medway Police Department. The objective of the program was to provide on-scene crisis de-escalation, immediate support to those in need, and mental health and substance use evaluations. The intended outcome of this initiative was to keep people in the community with appropriate resources and support in place, diverting them from unnecessary arrest or hospitalization.

○ The regional program experienced great success for five years, however the needs of the Franklin police Department and the Town of Franklin grew exponentially. In July 2023, the department pursued continued grant funding through the Department of Mental Health, and launched its own

Co-Response Program independent of a third-party agency (Advocates). The program continues to pair mental health clinicians with police to best suit the needs of the community. In July 2023, a Co-Response Program Manager was hired to lead the program and utilize additional funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to hire additional mental health clinicians. In November 2023, the second clinician was hired and in April 2024 the third clinician joined the department. With three full-time clinicians, we will be able to service the community better by providing additional coverage during evenings and weekends.

○ During calendar year 2025, officers and our program clinicians completed 881 interventions of individuals encountered in a mental health related incident. This represents a significant increase from the 369 interventions completed in 2022 and the 247 completed in 2023. However, we were without the services of a clinician for the first five months (January – May) of 2022 and for the first six months (January – July) in 2023, as we were in the process of hiring clinicians. The last two years have been steady with our three clinicians averaging 858 interventions each year.

○ During 2025, forty-four (44) individuals with behavioral health conditions were diverted from arrest and into treatment. In addition to the benefit of diverting individuals in crisis from arrest, these diversions represent an estimated cost savings of $315,436 to the criminal justice system ($7,169 per arrest event). 142 individuals were diverted from unnecessary hospital admissions to facilitate outpatient treatment recommendations. In addition to receiving care outside of a hospital setting, these emergency department diversions represent an estimated health care cost savings of $310,696 ($2,188 per ED diversion).

Continue reading the information provided by Franklin Police Dept in the PDF of this section -    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qrwiPOoze_41hX3WnGuYKFvUMGEiI0bh/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found 

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Keep calm & continue on: there is a Large scale police & fire training set for Davis Thayer Tuesday, April 28

via Franklin Police Dept:

"There will be a large-scale police and fire training at the Davis Thayer School on Tuesday 4/28 and Wednesday 4/29. You can expect a large first responder presence in the area."

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CHSHaVTrH/

3rd budget hearing covers Public Works & Public Safety (audio)

FM #1727 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1727 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing on Public Works & Public Safety, the 3rd of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 8 of 9 members present.

Quick recap:

• Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, up first

• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW up next, 

• Next up Police Chief Lynch, level service plus 2, looking to get the SROs back

• Next up, Chief Allen, Fire Dept.

• Dispatch Center or the MECC being covered

• Also skipped Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie last night with no explanation given for it. Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie, both assessments based upon enrollment, not much of a change year to year

• So Thursday night, the Finance Committee will use the 3rd Floor Training room for their discussion to be more “around a table” rather than spread out to help their discussion. Potential revisions coming to the budget, what they are we'll watch and see.

Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1727-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-3-04-08-26/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -  

https://www.youtube.com/live/x8Hb_pCl64A?&t=164 

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221 

My full set of notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D-RumOpcYkE7SZ_czpSZzW5TKdS9SE3B/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"