Franklin Fire Department Awarded $380,124 FEMA Grant to Support Specialized Rescue Training

TOWN OF FRANKLIN | 355 E. Central St, Franklin, MA 02038 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 24, 2026 Media Contact: Elizabeth Kalaijian Communications Director Town of Franklin (508) 553-4886 ekalaijian@franklinma.gov   Franklin Fire Department Awarded $380,124 FEMA Grant to Support Specialized Rescue Training FRANKLIN, Mass. — The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce it has been awarded $380,124 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The grant will fund a specialized training project focused on confined space rescue and heavy vehicle extrication. The training will provide Franklin firefighters with advanced skills to safely respond to specialized rescue incidents. The award includes $78,536 for needed rescue equipment, with the remaining funding supporting the training project. “This is a significant award for the Franklin Fire Department and an important investment in our firefighters and our ability to serve the Franklin community,” said Franklin Fire Chief Chuck Allen. “This funding will help ensure our department has the training and equipment needed to safely and effectively respond when residents need us most.” The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funding to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of firefighters and the public. ### Visit the Town of Franklin website for news and community updates: News and Announcements —Stay informed and connected with the Town of Franklin— Town of Franklin | 355 E Central St, | Franklin, MA 02038 US

FM Journal set for cable broadcast to Comcast/Verizon subscribers beginning Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026

Queue the DVR, or set the alarm to tune in to Comcast/Verizon on the following dates/time to catch the first episode of FM Journal.

• WEDNESDAY = 5:00 pm FM Journal Episode 1
• THURSDAY = 10:00 am FM Journal Episode 1
• FRIDAY = 5:00 pm FM Journal Episode 1
• SATURDAY = 10:00 am FM Journal Episode 1

FM Journal will also be available on YouTube and that link will be shared when it is available.

• Tune to the All access channel = Comcast 6, Verizon 26

"Another day spent at Riverbend Conservation Area - the newest Certified Tree Farm (#2245)!"

Via Conservation Director Breeka Li Goodlander:

"Another day spent at Riverbend Conservation Area - the newest Certified Tree Farm (#2245)! 

I’m riding high on the dopamine from this certification. Since April of this year, William Ashton and I have been hard at work pulling invasives, promoting riparian and forest health, building habitat brush piles, and creating native climate plots. This Certification proves that we are excelling in forest stewardship with this work. 

Having placed a Forest Stewardship Plan on Riverbend back in 2024, it’s been the utmost fun following our prescribed roadmap and creating the plots to monitor and discover how climate change impacts our forests and riparian areas. We were able to get another two plots in today, with more planned late November. Data to come later. 

This project would not be possible without the support from the Town of Franklin Conservation Commission, Department of Environmental Affairs, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation - Service Forestry, and the Massachusetts Climate Stewardship Incentive Program. 

While this is a publicly accessible open space area, we ask that visitors stay on the designated trails and refrain from investigating our climate plots. 

Tangentially, I am quite appreciative of this project for breaking down disciplinary silos. It’s not often that Foresters work with Wetland Scientists or vice versa, and I have learned so much about Forestry this past year that I never would have otherwise. I’ve learned that I have a lot to learn! 

There’s nothing quite like the water and woods to bring people together."

Shared from LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bgoodlander_another-day-spent-at-riverbend-conservation-activity-7505701881617354752-bmbR?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAjJA4BjDCCvaVSQVYp_vkzHRILqplW04U

Where is Riverbend? On Lincoln St, opposite Fairmount Fruit Farm

https://www.franklinma.gov/344/Open-Space-Recreation-Areas

Town of Franklin: Now Hiring - Licensed Electrician

Now Hiring: Licensed Electrician

The Town of Franklin is seeking a Licensed Electrician to join the Facilities Department.

💰 $34.43–$39.44/hour + union incentives

📅 Priority deadline: September 18

Read the full job description and learn how to apply: https://buff.ly/kmyKFn6

Franklin Small Business Spotlight: Franklin Kitchen Center Inc. (bonus video)

This month we're highlighting Franklin Kitchen Center, a local business that has served the Franklin community since 1962. 

"We are a premier custom cabinetry company with over 60 years of experience in designing, fabricating, and installing high-quality cabinetry for the local community. Since 1962, we've been dedicated to transforming spaces with craftsmanship and personalized service."

When asked why they chose Franklin to grow their business and what they like best about being here, they shared: "We chose Franklin to grow our business because of its vibrant community, strong local support, and excellent opportunities for expansion. Franklin's welcoming atmosphere and dedication to small businesses align perfectly with our values. What we like best about being here is the sense of community, the collaborative spirit, and the opportunity to serve our local clients with personalized craftsmanship. It's a place where we can truly thrive and continue to deliver quality custom cabinetry to our neighbors."

When asked why it's important for people to support small businesses, they shared: "Supporting small businesses is essential because they are the heart of our community. Small businesses create jobs, foster local economic growth, and contribute to a unique and vibrant local character. When people support small businesses, they help sustain local entrepreneurs, preserve craftsmanship, and keep money circulating within the community. This strengthens the neighborhood, builds connections, and ensures a diverse and lively economy for everyone."

👉️ Follow along as we continue to highlight the local businesses that make Franklin a great place to live and work.

🔗 Learn more about Franklin's Small Business Spotlight Series: https://buff.ly/9XbwyOK

I had an opportunity to walk through their custom build process recently, and you can view that process here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc3ss_wlgpE

Four & half hour September 2, 2026 Town Council meeting in 3 parts for ease of listening (audio)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 7 members participated in Chambers, 2 remotely so all votes were via roll call.  

The meeting recording is divided into 3 parts

Part 1 - opening through to Police Chief appointment (approx. 90 minutes)

Part 1 - Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1814-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-p1-of-3-09-02-26/

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Part 2 - other appointments, excess sewer capacity discussion and Legislation for action (approx. 50 minutes)

Part 2 - Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1815-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-p2-of-3-09-02-26/

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Part 3 - presentation on TOwn of Franklin properties by Kate Hinckley, GIS and discussion on the key decisions to be made; Police station site, then what dominos follow, Parmenter, Davis Thayer, 275 Beaver St, etc. (approx 2 hours)

Part 3 - Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1816-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-p3-of-3-09-02-26/

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Quick Recap:

The recap and my notes can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/town-council-approve-west-as-police.html 

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Franklin TV YouTube video - 

https://www.youtube.com/live/uMeOjqTdAEw?si=qSIBaHW_AgOh6RCn&t=57 

Agenda doc for this session - 

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 

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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"

State Primary turnout for Town of Franklin 2nd highest in 20 years

The turnout for State Primary elections in the Town of Franklin has varied considerably since 2006. 

The chart depicts the official results from the Town Clerk (via the published annual reports) with the total votes cast and the percent of the registered voters for that period.

Why a varied turnout? 

These are primary elections to determine who is on the ballot. Are there competitive State level races? Some years more so than others. 

Is there lack of engagement?

4 of the 5 top 5 turnouts occured in the most recent 4 elections, so that would seem to say there is an improvement. 

General rule for election turnout for Town of Franklin for period from 2002 to current:

• 20% (plus or minus) for local elections
• 40% (plus or minus) for override or debt exclusion elections
• 60% (plus or minus) for the State elections in November
• 80% (plus or minus) for the Federal elections in November

Town of Franklin Announces Appointment of Michelle Monsegur as Deputy Town Administrator

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Monsegur as its new deputy town administrator. Monsegur will begin her new role on Sept. 14, 2026.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity to serve the Franklin community!” said Monsegur. “As a lifelong public servant, I love working at the local level and I look forward to getting to know folks in Franklin and diving into the budget process this fall. Thank you to Jamie Hellen and the Town of Franklin for welcoming me."

As Deputy Town Administrator, Monsegur will work closely with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen to oversee municipal finance, support municipal operations, lead strategic initiatives, special projects and collaborate with department leaders to advance the Town’s priorities and deliver exceptional public service.

“Michelle brings a strong combination of leadership experience, sound judgment and a deep commitment to public service to this role,” said Town Administrator Hellen. “She understands the complexity of municipal government and the importance of working collaboratively with department leaders, employees and the community to get things done. I am confident that she will be an invaluable partner as we continue to move the Town’s priorities forward, while also helping us prepare for the new challenges and opportunities ahead.”

The appointment follows a thorough selection process that included more than 100 applications for the position.

In her new role, Monsegur will work closely with the chief financial officer, Franklin Public Schools and the Town’s finance committee to develop short- and long-term, town-wide financial strategies. While the chief financial officer oversees the day-to-day operations of the Town’s finance departments, Monsegur will work closely with elected officials, stakeholders and residents on financial strategy and implementation with a focus on long-term financial solvency, stability and sustainability. She will also bring a fresh perspective to town and school finance while helping preserve and build institutional knowledge. 

Monsegur’s responsibilities will also include strategic planning, collective bargaining, capital planning, technology and artificial intelligence. As the use of AI continues to evolve, she will help the Town monitor developments, assess potential opportunities and consider how the technology may affect municipal government and the community in the years ahead.

Prior to joining Franklin, Monsegur served as assistant town administrator for finance for the Town of Hingham, where she oversaw day-to-day operations for 25 departments and approximately 300 employees in close collaboration with the town administrator. She led the town’s financial strategy, including development of its $165 million annual budget and authored the Sustainable Budget Task Force (equivalent to Franklin’s Joint Budget Subcommittee).

Previously, Monsegur served as principal budget analyst for the City of Cambridge, where she developed and managed the city’s $730 million annual budget. She also led the city’s first participatory budgeting processes, giving residents a direct role in determining how capital funds would be spent. 

Monsegur holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She is a member of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the International City/County Management Association. She also serves on the executive board of the Massachusetts Government Finance Officers Association.

The Town welcomes Deputy Town Administrator Michelle Monsegur to the position and looks forward to her contributions to the organization and the Franklin community.

shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/190

Town of Franklin - OFFICAL Results - State Primary - Sep 1, 2026

Registered voters    25,457

Total votes cast         6,298

Per cent turnout        24.47%

The voters have left, the votes are tallied

The PDF for the State Primary Official results

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L-McuaWwlhp3tb6mGdxsNLRjkgkkCrP5/view?usp=drive_link 

Thanks to Town Clerk Nancy Danello, her staff and all the poll workers! and to those voters who did cast a ballot

View the embedded file here

FREE Flu Clinic on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM

The Franklin Health Department is hosting a FREE Flu Clinic on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center (10 Daniel McCahill St, Franklin, MA).

Flu shots will be available for all ages, including high-dose vaccines!

We would greatly appreciate your help sharing the attached flyer with your staff, clients, families, and community members. By spreading the word, we can help encourage our community to get vaccinated and stay healthy this flu season.

To schedule an appointment, please use the registration link: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=franklin-flu-clinic   OR call 508-613-1334.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DR0KLlMU_nPMwo44f2Bb8zxZeyx6VOgd/view?usp=drive_link

Town of Franklin Early & Mail Ballots Received as of August 26, 2026

Per Town Clerk Nancy Danello, as of close of business Wednesday, August 26, 2026:

Primary ballots mailed:    4220

Ballots returned:               2368    

a 56% return for the mailed ballots

Early votes cast:        238

Early and mailed votes received:    2606

Click for more info about voting in Franklin, MA

Franklin Fire Department Promotes Mike Berthiaume to Captain

TOWN OF FRANKLIN | 355 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Franklin Fire Department Promotes Mike Berthiaume to Captain The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Mike Berthiaume to captain. Captain Berthiaume was promoted to captain in July 2026 and serves as captain of Group 3 at Station 2. Captain Berthiaume joined the Franklin Fire Department in May 2015 as a firefighter/paramedic. He was promoted to lieutenant in July 2023 and began serving as acting captain in October 2025 before being permanently promoted to captain in July 2026. Throughout his career with the Franklin Fire Department, Captain Berthiaume has served as a field training officer and assistant fire investigator. He is certified as a Fire Officer I/II, Incident Safety Officer and Hazardous Materials Operational Level Responder. Prior to joining the Franklin Fire Department, Captain Berthiaume served for two years as a firefighter/paramedic with the Town of Bourne. While serving in Bourne, he was awarded the Massachusetts State Medal of Valor in 2015 for his actions during an active shooter incident. He also served as a call lieutenant with the Amherst Fire Department. Captain Berthiaume holds a master’s degree in emergency services management from Columbia Southern University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to take on this role and for everyone who has supported me along the way,” said Captain Berthiaume. “I’m proud to continue serving the Franklin community alongside such a dedicated group of people.” The Franklin Fire Department congratulates Captain Berthiaume on his promotion and thanks him for his continued service and leadership within the department and the Franklin community. Visit the Town of Franklin website for news and community updates: News and Announcements —Stay informed and connected with the Town of Franklin— Town of Franklin | 355 E Central St, | Franklin, MA 02038 US