Gary Premo talks about the growth and expansion of the MECC (audio)

FM #1395 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1395 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Gary Premo, Executive Director of the Metacomet Emergency Communication Center (MECC). We had our conversation at the MECC on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.  

• Gary provides his background
• Operations at the MECC
• What to expect when you call 911
• Growth and possible expansion

The meeting runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Gary on emergency dispatch operations.

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1395-metacometemergency-comms-center-02-26-25/

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

Metacomet Emergency Communication Center home page 

https://www.meccdispatch.org/ 

Member communities -> https://www.meccdispatch.org/home/pages/visit-our-member-communities 

Facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch 

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

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"

Gary Premo talks about the growth and expansion of the MECC (audio)

Listen to "Franklin Ma Populatic Street Multiple alarm Brush Fire audio" on YouTube

"Fire was in the area of Populatic street. Mutual aid from Bellingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Sharon and Walpole fire"

Video link -> https://youtu.be/lCw6Z5UjnsY?si=ct4w9mYW2Ckxlaf9

MECC Now Hiring Public Safety Telecommunicators

Via the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center 

MECC Now Hiring Public Safety Telecommunicators

"Now Hiring Public Safety Telecommunicators

 

Are you looking for a fast paced and rewarding career, or know someone looking to get into public safety? We are hiring full-time positions and no experience needed, but it is preferred.  

Our center offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package, along with chances for professional growth and continuous personal development. At our center YOU can make a big difference and positive impacts within our local communities! "

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/uUHHULUDNao61rrn/ 

Finance Committee reviews Public Safety and Public Works budgets (video)

The Finance Committee held their second of three budget hearings on Wednesday, May 8 in the Council Chambers. 

The 3rd and final budget hearing is scheduled for May 15 with the school budgets covered (Franklin Public Schools, Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie.)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/kRJStUo28Q8?si=YQQ8EPTnnAz3XMJe&t=61

The departmental budgets covered were:

• Public Safety:
• 210 Police Department
• 220 Fire Department
• 225 Regional Dispatch
• 240 Inspection Department
• 292 Animal Control
• b. Department of Public Works (DPW):
• Departments: 422 Public Works
• Enterprise Funds:
• 450 Water
• 440 Sewer
• 434 Solid Waste
• 460 Stormwater

Agenda doc contains links to the supporting documentation  ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-05-08_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 of 3 - Public Safety & Public Works - May 8

2024 Call Data Highlights from the MECC (our regional dispatch center)

From the MECC otherwise known as the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center which is the regional dispatch center for Franklin, Mendon, Millville, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham.

The call activity for Jan, Feb, Mar & Apr 2024:

🚨2024 Call Data Highlights🚑🚔🔥

💥Top Reasons for Calls📞:

1. Burglar alarms-656

2. Fall-607

3. Fire alarm-504

4. MVA’s non injury-480  (MVA = motor vehicle accident)

Fun fact: In the age of smartphones, over 80% of 911 calls are made from mobile devices.📱#911funfacts

Visit the MECC at www.meccdispatch.org/

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fUu65iquWFkfMEZq/?mibextid=oFDknk

Community tips for calling 911

Via the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC)

Community tips for calling 911

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/HWwrbbE1umJgoHds/

Finance Committee - last of 3 budget hearings - May 11, 2023 at 7 PM

Finance Committee Meeting 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Monday, May 11, 2023 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building 

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. FY24 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing continued...

FY24 Town Administrator Budget Materials website

a. Public Safety:

i. 210 Police Department

ii. 220 Fire Department

iii. 225 Regional Dispatch

iv. 240 Inspection Department

v. 292 Animal Control

4. FY24 Town Administrator Operating & Enterprise Budget Final Recommendation.

5. Future Agenda Items

6. Adjourn

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/may_11th_fin_com_agenda.pdf

Finance Committee - last of 3 budget hearings - May 11, 2023 at 7 PM

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) is hiring

via Franklin Fire Dept twitter:

Our Regional Dispatch Center is hiring!

Check out the posting below:

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) is hiring

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) is hiring 

For more about the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) https://www.franklinma.gov/metacomet-emergency-communications-center-mecc

And an overview presentation to the Town Council in May 20202

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/mecc_presentation.pdf

How does the Town of Franklin budget look displayed as a pie chart?

The budget hearings opened Tuesday night with General Government functions reviewed. Wednesday (6:30 PM) night is Public Safety (Police, Fire, Dispatch).

FY 2022 Budget
Police	$5,970,843
Fire	$6,428,747
DPW	$5,426,385
Library	$1,039,373
Facilities	$7,261,523
Other Municipal	$10,568,138
Fixed Costs (non-excl Debt-Benefits)	$16,964,310
School K-12	$67,914,184
Regional	$2,486,887
Total Operating Budget	$124,060,390

• April 28 Agenda = Public Safety (Police, Fire, Regional Dispatch)

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-04-28_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

School budget is up for review Tuesday, May 4

Prior posts

How much state aid does Franklin get?

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/how-much-state-aid-does-franklin-get.html

What are the fixed costs of the Town of Franklin budget?

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/what-are-fixed-costs-of-town-of.html

Town of Franklin - budget growth and split between municipal and schools - FY 2012 to FY 2022  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/town-of-franklin-budget-growth-and.html

School budget, executive summary by School Superintendent Sara Ahern

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/franklin-public-schools-fy-2022-annual.html

Executive summary by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/franklin-public-schools-fy-2022-annual.html

Link to Town of Franklin budget proposal for FY 2022
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/fy-2022-town-of-franklin-budget-proposal.html

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - March 10, 2021

Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 10, 2021 = 6:30 PM

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. FY21 Capital Program Recommendations
5. Public Safety & MECC Discussion

a. Gary Premo - MECC Director

b. Chief TJ Lynch - Franklin Police Chief

c. Chief Jim McLaughlin - Franklin Fire Department

6. FY22 Revenue Projections
7. Future Agenda Items
8. Adjourn

Full agenda doc and meeting packet (with connection info)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/finance_committee_agenda_for_march_10_2021.pdf

The Finance Committee Agenda includes an update from the MECC

Town Council - Recap of 5/20/20 meeting (and recording)

My notes were captured via Twitter and tagged #tc0520

• Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting 5/20/20 #tc0520 Dellorco absent, other 8 Councilors present
• Motion to approve Apr 15 meeting minutes, passed via roll call. 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent) #tc0520
• Memorial Day parade and breakfast cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Film being edited for broadcast on Franklin TV. #tc0520
• Proclamation on "Purple Heart" community being read to acknowledge new designation. #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4a._proclamation_-_purple_heart_community_2.pdf
• Proclamation on American Legion Post Edward L Grant #75 #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4b._proclamation_-_american_legion.pdf
• Proclamation to recognize Larry Bedarian #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4c._proclamation_-_larry_bedarian.pdf

Animal Control

• Presentation by Tracey Taddeo on the Animal Control Dept, a quiet group that does good work. #tc0520
• Patrick Kelleher leads the Franklin side in the joint effort with Bellingham that Tracey covers

Franklin Food Pantry

• Next up, Franklin Food Pantry, Lynn Calling and Tina Powderly talking about the new building and updates due to the pandemic requirements #tc0520 intro by TA Jamie Hellen
• Presentation copy per agenda from Franklin Food Pantry https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._franklin_food_pantry.pdf. #tc0520 in a normal BCE before coronavirus era there were about 9 new folks, last month 80. Changed from shopping experience to drive through pickup during this time
• Lynn Calling says seeing a familiar face (albeit masked) is important to the pantry clients, approx 60-80 per day drive through to get 5000 lbs/week. Hopefully to be in new building by summer of 2021 #tc0520 a capital campaign to be launched soon to help fund the building
• Empty Bowls would have celebrated the dinner May 7, they will go virtual during a week in June, approx 200 bowls made by students for this fund raising effort. #tc0520 listen to the students talk about empty bowls https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-263-fhs-empty-bowl-club-stars-50420.html
• The father daughter group mentioned during the meeting building garden beds, VFJ renovations was interviewed recently and you can listen to their story https://franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-261-vfj-renovations-empowering.html?m=1. #tc0520
• The Food Pantry current needs list can be found online at https://franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/. #tc0520
• Tina Powderly takes time to recognize Amy Cataldo as one of the 3 keys to the operation (Lynn, and Sue Kilcoyne) #tc0520

SAFE Coalition

• Next up, SAFE Coalition with Jen Levine and Jim Derick to present, copy of deck to be shared later #tc0520
• SAFE is busy, one contact leads to approx 8 others ( to confirm details, explore options, etc.) #tc0520
• 40 people/week reach out for support from SAFE Coalition, while they cover 9 communities, it is still a need that is rather large and being met #tc0520
• SAFE currently funded by grants and donations #tc0520

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center

• Next up, the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) the regional dispatch center #tc0520 last week was first anniversary of operations so timely albeit delayed due to COVID-19
• Mendon/Millville regional dispatch will actually merge with the MECC final planning underway
• Collaboration with depts beyond Fire/Police in Franklin help to make the work that much easier; DPW, technology, Assessors, GIS, facilities, etc. #tc0520
• Regionalization of dispatch is a success and could be a guide for others to follow. MA had 300plus dispatch centers, CA has 4. With the MECC online and expanding (Millville , Mendon) a source of pride and savings #tc0520

Legislation for Action

• Moving to Legislation for action, first up https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._20-27_cell_tower_easement.pdf. #tc0520 more of a house cleaning item, "this is an exercise for lawyers" moved, seconded, passed 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent)
• Next legislation, 2nd reading on plot line changes for Pleasant, Chestnut, Brook Sts. #tc0520 https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10b._20-853_cestnut_pleasnt_brooke_streets.pdf moved, 2nd, passed 7-0-2 (7 for, 1 absent, 1 recused (Bissanti))
• Next legislation, Water resource district adjustment. Up for 2nd and final approval, https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10c._20-854_water_resource_district.pdf #tc0520 map needed to be updated, moved, 2nd, approved 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent)

Town Administrator Update

• Senior Center coffee hour on Thursday at 8:30 AM with virtual meeting #tc0520 bring your coffee! Announcement of curbside cafe coming at the meeting but due to start June 1
• FY2021 budget coming out Thursday, Finance Committee meetings over the next two weeks spread over 4 nights, agendas to show which dept which night, etc. #tc0520 . Need Community engaged as these discussions will be challenging
• Parks and parking lots to open on Monday, playgrounds will remain closed, masks and social distance requirements still in place #tc0520
• Board of Health special session on 5/21/20 at 5 PM details on Town of Franklin page effectively #tc0520

Closing

• Council comments wrapped up, motion to adjourn, passed 8-0-1 via roll call. Real time reporting ends for this meeting with this tweet. #tc0520

The Twitter treads can be found online  https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0520?src=hashtag_click

FM #273 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 273 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The Chair, Tom Mercer opens the meetings, all votes are via roll call, each person speaking is acknowledged by the Chair before speaking. Aside from an occasional bit of background from someone not muted properly, the meeting runs well.

The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of May 20, 2020.


https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hc9XZ1P7

screen capture during the SAFE Coalition presentation

Regional Dispatch operational this week

"The Franklin Fire Department communications dispatchers have moved to a regional dispatch center. They have moved to the Metacomet Emegency Communications Center located in Norfolk. This now combines police/fire dispatchers from Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham, and Franklin.

When calling 911 the call will now be answered at the regional dispatch center in Norfolk. When calling our business line (508-528-2323) you will be routed through a phone tree. Please select the option that best fits.

When visiting either of our Station’s (40 West Central St. & 600 King St.) you will notice an intercom call box inside our main entrance. The call box will be answered at the regional dispatch center. Please note that personnel may be away from the station on a call.

For permits, plan review, and business matters you can stop by our Headquarters (40 West Central St.) during our normal business hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. If you wish to speak with someone regarding a fire prevention related issue then please call our main number (508-528-2323)."

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/fire-department/urgent-alerts/franklin-fire-department-communications-center-has-moved-regional

Confirmation via Twitter from the Police Dept

Effective at 10am this morning, 911 and dispatch operations for the Franklin Police and Franklin Fire department will switch to the MECC. While this is a monumental change, residents of the Community should not see tremendous impact.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

Residents will still call the same telephone numbers, and if they visit the Police Station during most hours will be greeted by a police officer.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

In the event the Station has to be left unattended, there is an intercom system in the lobby of the building that will connect directly to the MECC where a dispatcher will be able to talk to them, and help.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

As with any change, there may be bumps in the road. The Franklin Police Department is committed to continue to provide the highest level of service to the community. We appreciate your patience if you experience any disruption during the learning phase of this ambitious plan.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

This has been a long time coming and is finally here. How long? The archives can help.

• In 2012, the Town Council voted to approve the process to begin the regionalization efforts

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/save-town-money-and-improve-efficiency.html

• In 2013, legislation was passed to allow for the regional center to be organized

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/whats-happening-in-10th-norfolk-district.html

• In 2014, the regional dispatch center received a community challenge grant to help with the organization and planning process

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/regional-dispatch-center-receives.html

• In 2017, the ground was finally broken for the dispatch center building

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/06/this-is-long-overdue.html

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (Facebook photo)

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC)

Construction on the building continues. We anticipate dispatching our first call in early 2019. Once complete the MECC will operate state of the art systems and equipment to handle the dispatching of police, fire and EMS calls for service for the four communities; Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. We will serve a combined population of just under 66,000 residents (2015 census data) covering 76.7 square miles.

The State 911 Department will begin “text to 911” service of the Next Generation 911 (NG911) system later this year. This will enable our call takers to assist with emergency calls with the deaf and hard of hearing population or those who cannot verbally communicate. Remember, “Call If You Can, Text If You Can’t”.

The MECC will staff highly skilled, trained, professional telecommunicators ready to assist, day or night. Rest assured we stand ready to help you in your time of need.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary M Premo
Executive Director



You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports


In the Finance Committee meeting of Oct 16, 2018, we learned that Norfolk construction delays for regional dispatch center will affect Franklin and the budget for an additional three months. It was supposed to begin operation in Jan 2019, and is now scheduled for operation in March (Apr 1 for budgeting purposes). The discussion was to fund an $28K for Police and $70K for Fire to cover the delay.

The Franklin Matters notes from the FinCom meeting Oct 16
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/live-reporting-finance-committee-oct-16.html

Facebook photo for MECC  https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch/?nr

"It has come a long way since 50 years ago”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Fifty years ago today, the first 9-1-1 call was made, and the emergency system became the foundation for first-responders. 

Since that first call made on Feb. 16, 1968 in Haleyville, Alabama, the 9-1-1 system has evolved and has become much more than just a centralized number for emergency calls. 

“Telecommunicators, 9-1-1 dispatchers, are essentially the first first-responders,” said Chris Campbell, president of the Massachusetts Communications Supervisors Association and director of communications in Seekonk. 

“They handle the calls from the inception until first responders arrive, and in some instances they stay on the line throughout the whole incident,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180216/who-do-you-call-9-1-1-emergency-number-turns-50


The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center is the regional dispatch operations serving the towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. They will dispatch police, fire and EMS. Construction is underway with plans to be operational in the Fall of 2018.

https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch/

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center

Request for Proposal - Computer Aided Dispatch Software

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) invites qualified vendors that manufacture and provide direct training, maintenance and support of their own Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software to submit responses at their own expense to this Request for Proposals (RFP).

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/149333

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA

You can find the full RFP here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/cad_rfp_final_11-26-17.pdf

Facebook photo for MECC