[Residents] Police Business Line Service Restored

The Franklin Police business line service has been restored. Please call 508-528-1212 for all non-emergency Police services. 

Franklin Police Business Line Service Restored

 

[Residents] Franklin Police Business Line experiencing an outage

Please be advised we are experiencing outages with our 508-528-1212 business line. 

Any non emergency or emergency police services please call the Metacomet Emergency Community Center 911 line. 

Franklin Police Business Line experiencing an outage

"NOAA predicts near-normal 2019 Atlantic hurricane season"

"NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting that a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely this year. This outlook forecasts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season. The hurricane season officially extends from June 1 to November 30. 

For 2019, NOAA predicts a likely range of 9 to 15 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes."

Continue reading about the NOAA outlook for the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane season:
https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-predicts-near-normal-2019-atlantic-hurricane-season




For the geeks who use RSS feeds (like I do) you can find the RSS selection of NOAA data here  https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutrss.shtml


What are the names for the storms for the 1029 season?

A graphic showing 2019 Atlantic tropical cyclone names selected by
the World Meteorological Organization. (NOAA)

Hurricane season starts June 1. Are you ready?

Hurricane season starts June 1. Are you ready? by Colleen Tressler Consumer Education Specialist, FTC June 1 is the official start of hurricane season, and a great time to make a plan to deal with weather emergencies. Extreme weather events, like hurricanes and other natural disasters, can occur with little warning, and the effects come in many forms. Hurricanes may include heavy rainfall, high winds, storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, and rip currents.  Are you ready to leave your home at a moment's notice? The FTC's site, Dealing with Weather Emergencies, has practical tips to help you prepare for, deal with, and recover from a weather emergency. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/05/hurricane-season-starts-june-1-are-you-ready?utm_campaign=weather-emergencies&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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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

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Franklin Fire Dept

The Department
The Franklin Fire Department is divided into two divisions: Operations and Maintenance, which is the largest and responsible for dispatch, emergency medical services, fire suppression and hazardous materials response. Administration and Support Services is responsible for personnel, budget and finance, training, code compliance and coordinating the Town’s emergency preparedness.

Our Mission
The mission of the Franklin Fire Department is to:
…Have a positive impact in the lives of citizens and visitors of Franklin in their time of crisis by providing compassionate, contemporary, community driven services.
…Safeguard human life from the perils of fire, sudden illness, injury or other emergency medical condition, natural and man-made disasters as well as preserve the environment and property from ensuing destruction.
… Be responsible for a safe, productive and pleasant work environment for our employees, and provide them opportunities to gain new skills and advance their personal career goals.

Operational Objectives

• Initiating advanced life support to patients within 10 minutes of receiving the telephone call at our communications center.
• To access, extricate, treat and transport and transport trauma patients to a level one trauma medical facility within one hour of the occurrence of the injury.
• Interrupt the progression of fires in structures within 10 minutes of open flame ignition.
• To insure response readiness remains greater than 70%.
• Provide safety and survival skills for all school students in grade K through 5 consistent with the Student Awareness Fire Education (SAFE) initiative of the Commonwealth.
• Provide educational opportunities for department members to insure optimal performance and safety.
• To develop and maintain “best practice” to insure personnel and citizen safety.
• Insure fire safety through timely, consistent code compliance services to all external customers.
• Provide all department services in a manner that satisfies the needs of our customers.
• Process emergency notifications in our dispatch center within 120 seconds of receiving the initial call for 99% of all calls.

Message from the Fire Chief
Fiscal Year 2018 again ended as the busiest year in department histories, breaking last year’s record a total of with 4,408 emergency responses. Fortunately, the community did not suffer any fire related deaths this year, although there were several tragic incidents which resulted in the loss of life. Department members suffer ten loss time work related injuries during the fiscal year.

This year saw the active engagement of our personnel in the development of specifications and standards on a host of issues, all intended to provide heightened levels of service to the citizens of Franklin. Personnel dedicated countless hours to develop specifications for the replacement of the department’s Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, replacement fire engine and replacement ambulance.

Work related cancer for workers in the fire – rescue services continues to be a cause for high concern. Multiple studies, including the soon-to-be-released NIOSH cancer study, have demonstrated credible evidence of higher rates of multiple types of cancers in firefighters compared to the general American population including:

• Testicular cancer (2.02 times greater risk)
• Multiple myeloma (1.53 times greater risk)
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (1.51 times greater risk)
• Skin cancer (1.39 times greater risk)
• Prostate cancer (1.28 times greater risk)
• Malignant melanoma (1.31 times great risk)
• Brain cancer (1.31 times greater risk)
• Colon cancer (1.21 times great risk)
• Leukemia (1.14 times greater risk)

Work began last year will continue into the next and ensuing fiscal years to insure that we protect our members from this on-going epidemic.

We continue to see the number of calls for service that occur back-to-back or simultaneously grow at an alarming rate. Back-to-back or simultaneous calls are where the department receives another emergency call for service while managing a call for services (two at a time). In Fiscal Year 2018, this caused 144 ambulance responses from other Towns into Franklin. 

Although an improvement over the previous fiscal year, the use of out-of-town resources causes delay in our ability to provide timely transport to the hospital emergency room. Franklin’s average response time is 5 minutes, 44 seconds; the average response time for an out-of town ambulance is 12 minutes, 33 seconds – this time difference can have a great impact on the quality of patient outcomes for people with medical emergencies.

The trend of call distribution is compounded by the increasing calls for services. As previously noted, the department responded to 4,408 emergency responses in Fiscal Year 2018, an increase of more than 6% from Fiscal year 2017.

We believe the trend is in response to an upturn in our economy. This year saw increased occupancy rates in the Town’s Industrial Parks as well as opening of new businesses and facilities. All of these combine to bring more people into the community and increase the demands for our services. We will continue to monitor all of these trends and work with the community to develop strategies to maintain acceptable levels of emergency services within the Town.

This year saw the retirement of Firefighter Robert Donovan. Bob began his career with the department in 1988 and assisted in many department roles. Bob’s career with the department to including being among the first paramedics in the department and serving as the long time SAFE Officer completing fire safety education in the school system. We thank him all for his years of their dedication and service to the Town and wish him the best in retirement.

This year we welcomed new members James Polito, Brian Hamann, Matthew Starkey and Peter Ballou. All come to the department with a wide variety of experiences that strengthens our ability to provide services to the citizens of Franklin and we look forward to their long productive careers with the department.

In addition to emergency response, the department also continued to try to expand its fire prevention education activities, providing safety and survival education to the most vulnerable population to fire – our children and seniors. Through the dedicated efforts of SAFE Officer Keith Darling, the department reached over 7,600 individuals with safety related programming. This included 100% of all Elementary Students, summer YMCA Camps and various Boy and Girl Scout programs and tours as well as a various activities at the Senior Center. 

This year the department continued to offer home visit for our senior citizens and include 48 visits. The focus of these visits is to insure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, remove trip hazards as well as provide safety education. Firefighters Kevin Marshal, Bill Blanchard and Christian Mills provide dedicated assistance in completing this important service to our citizens.

In closing, I would like to recognize our employees, who are among the best fire service professional in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts! They continue to work tirelessly to protect life and property within Franklin. In addition to their on-duty responses, our employees commit countless hours in continuing education and training targeted to maintain and improved upon their emergency skills. Additionally, they continue to press forward in attempt to provide the highest level of service to the community based upon advancement in the fire-rescue field and advancements in technology. They continue to be the chief reason for maintaining our current the level of success and level of services we provide our citizens of Franklin.

Respectfully submitted,
Gary B. McCarraher, Fire Chief

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

The newest vehicle in the Fire Dept, part of the truck rotation and life cycle program. Franklin sets aside money in an account to save over several years for the next truck

Emergency Preparedness Training for Persons with Disabilities - May 10

A special event for Emergency Preparedness Training Event for Persons with Disabilities has been scheduled for May 10 from 2:00 - 3:30 PM at the Franklin TV Studios.

RSVP by May 8 to confirm attendance by calling 508-298-4023.

** The Disability Commission would like to also note that each participant will receive a backpack from the Massachusetts Office on Disability with a great amount of emergency supplies

Additional details in the flyer on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/event_for_the_disabled.pdf

or here

Emergency Preparedness Training Event for Persons with Disabilities - May 10

Emergency Preparedness Training Event for Persons with Disabilities - May 10

A special event for Emergency Preparedness Training Event for Persons with Disabilities has been scheduled for May 10 from 2:00 - 3:30 PM at the Franklin TV Studios.

RSVP is required to confirm attendance. Please call 508-298-4023 by May 8.



Additional details in the flyer on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/event_for_the_disabled.pdf

or here

Emergency Preparedness Training Event for Persons with Disabilities - May 10

"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

In the News: reaction to opioid emergency; Vallee's influence recognized

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

"Local officials said more resources are needed on the ground level to combat the opioid epidemic that President Donald Trump has called an emergency. 

Those who face the crisis in the Milford and MetroWest areas were cautiously optimistic following the president’s Thursday declaration of a nationwide public health emergency, saying the high-level acknowledgement is a positive step. 

They added, though, that funding for local services is a critical need. 

This move does not necessarily include that money. Administration officials have announced their intentions to seek emergency funds from Congress, but this declaration does not have any dedicated money attached."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/locals-react-to-emergency-opioid-declaration

For Help call SAFE Resource Support line – 508-488-8105

"Bob Vallee sat in the center of the half-circle desk in council chamber for the last time at Wednesday night’s meeting, marking the end of his 32-year run on the Town Council. 

Highly regarded by his fellow council members, Vallee oversaw innumerable changes in Franklin’s zoning and infrastructure, bringing the town from 1930s zoning to 2017 standards. 

“Sitting on the council for the last four years, I got to watch first-hand the kind of direct impact someone with Bob’s integrity and courage can do to shape the town of Franklin,” said council member Peter Padula. “He’s a been a great influence on me and I think the whole council. Franklin is a much better place to live because of guys like Bob Vallee.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/vallee-a-great-influence-on-town-council

Town Council Chair Matt Kelly recognizes fellow councilor
Bob Vallee for his 30 plus years of service for Franklin

MA Responds - Newsletter and info

MA Responds logo

Welcome to MA Responds, the online registration system for public health, health care, and emergency response volunteers. 

If you would like to be a volunteer responder during a Massachusetts health-related emergency or event, you have come to the right place!

You can sign up at https://www.maresponds.org/

The recent newsletter:

Tips on Hurricane Preparedness: Be Ready Before the Storm

With thunderstorms rolling through the area this morning, it is a good reminder to be prepared for hurricane season. Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) posted these reminder tips recently.

While the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, historically the most active time for tropical storms and hurricanes in the Northern Atlantic is August to October. As such, it’s critical to prepare yourself, your family, your home, and your business for the season. 

While the Commonwealth has been spared from a major hurricane in recent years, Massachusetts is still vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. Even in a “slow” hurricane season, it only takes one storm to create devastating impacts. Additionally, it is important to understand that while tropical storms have lower wind speeds than hurricanes, they can still produce deadly storm surge and destructive flooding. Hurricane Sandy was downgraded to a tropical storm before making landfall, and it still caused major damage along the Eastern seaboard in 2012. In 2011, Tropical Storm Irene cut through Massachusetts, bringing heavy rainfall that resulted in significant inland flooding and damage. 

Water, not wind, brings the deadliest impacts during tropical storms and hurricanes. In fact, storm surge and flooding from heavy rains are the leading causes of hurricane-related deaths.

satellite view of a hurricane

You can find MEMA on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA

or follow their alerts via Twitter  https://twitter.com/MassEMA


Continue reading the article here
http://blog.mass.gov/blog/safety/hurricane-preparedness-be-ready-before-the-storm/

Fire Dept Presentation doc and video clip

The presentation document used by Chief McCarragher during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday can be found here

Ping 4 Alerts Presentation - April 1, 2015 from Franklin Matters

On page 4. it seems to be blank but this was when the following video clip was shared. 

screen grab of the MEMA page touting Ping4Alerts

My notes from the live reporting for this section of the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/live-reporting-ping4alert.html


The summary of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/this-purple-heart-community-received.html

Franklin Public Schools: Connect Ed update - Text Messaging being added to Phone Calls

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

March 31, 2015

Parents, Faculty, Staff and Students,

As part of our review of safety protocols we are planning some upgrades to our communication protocols. Our Connect Ed/Blackboard Connect message system which uses email and phone calls to convey information, can take some time to make sure all 6,800 contacts are reached. This is an effective system for inclement weather notification or sharing other forms of non-urgent communication. To enable us to get emergency notifications out faster we have subscribed to the SMS text message service from Connect Ed/Blackboard. We will only use this feature to make you aware of an urgent emergency situation such as a lockdown or evacuation of a school.

As part of the implementation of Franklin Public School District text messaging alert system, you will be receiving a text message from Blackboard Connect inviting you to subscribe to any text announcements sent by the school.

We will use Blackboard Connect phone call/email to communicate information such as weather closings, closing for gas or water leaks, sporting events, and any type of general outreach or notifications.  We will use the SMS text message service to let you know about a lockdown or evacuation of a school. You will have the option of declining a subscription if you wish to do so. Please note that the messaging subscription will be included in the cost of your existing data plan; you will not incur any additional charge to receive Blackboard Connect messages.

Below is an example of the Confirmation Message that is sent automatically:

Franklin Pub Schools: You are now subscribed to receive text alerts. Reply HELP for help, STOP 4819 to cancel. Msg&data rates may apply.

If you reply with HELP, you will receive this message:

BbConnect Notify Alerts: 2msgs/mo. Msg and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel. Info: www.blackboardconnect.com/sms/terms.asp, 888-599-2720

Coming Attractions: #FPSNEWS Twitter account

If you opt out but then later decide you would like to opt back in, text SUBSCRIBE 4819 to 23177 or 63079.

Please watch for the invitation to subscribe to Blackboard Connect on your mobile phone. We hope that you will take advantage of this important communication tool. You can opt out at any time. Please remember that if you cell phone number changes you need to report the change to your child's school.

community entrance to FHS

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

"Towns will be lucky to see the assistance by the end of the fiscal year"

In the category of "nothing ventured, nothing gained" Franklin has joined other MA communities in filing for Federal assistance for dealing with the snow.

Cities and towns across the region are filing for federal assistance to help ease budgetary pains as a wave of consecutive snowstorms now stretches into its third week. 

“Every town in Worcester County and east is applying right now,” said Peter Judge, a Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency spokesperson. They're submitting for the initial storm costs, like plowing and extra police staff. Milford and Medway filed for roughly $160,000. Franklin filed for a little more than $350,000. 

The applications were due Tuesday. After MEMA receives a statewide total, they’ll appeal for federal assistance in the next several weeks, said Judge.

Continue reading the article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150211/NEWS/150219440/1994/NEWS#sthash.c3goDUPG.dpuf

On the Town Council agenda scheduled for Wednesday, the one action item is to authorize expenses in excess of what is budgeted. This is a 'normal' action in years where there is a lot of snow. Without such an authorization, Franklin would be forced to stop plowing and salting (which is not really an option in the middle of winter). 

Franklin will end up balancing the snow and ice budget with funds from 'free cash' which means the captial requirements of the town's departments will take a hit. How much remains to be determined.

sunset through the trees over a pile of snow

Franklin Public Schools: FHS Update #2

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello- Here is an update that Principal Light is sending to FHS families. The students at FHS returned to class at about 9:30. Teachers processed the incident with students and counselors were available for those students who needed additional support. All students were safe and law enforcement officials  were exceptional in their response. Thank  you for your patience and assistance.


FHS Families,

Thank you for your patience and understanding during what was a difficult morning at FHS.  The purpose of this email is twofold: to update you with additional information about the incident this morning, and to confirm that tonight's curriculum open house is happening as planned.

I will review the information regarding today's incident with interested families from 5:45 until 6:15 tonight in the school auditorium, but below is a synopsis of the events of today as they unfolded.  This is the same information that I will share with families tonight at 5:45.

I know our faculty are eager to showcase what they will be doing with students throughout the year, so I ask that if you have questions about today's incident you either attend our session in the auditorium tonight at 5:45, or I, or another member of the school administration would be happy to speak with you one on one regarding any questions or concerns you have.

Thank you in advance.

 

Peter Light

Principal

 

Today's Incident:

Early this morning, I received an email that made a threat against the high school.  I immediately notified the Franklin Police and the Superintendent of Schools who in turn reached out to state law enforcement officials.  The threat was immediately deemed not credible, but after consulting with Franklin Police, we requested a full sweep of the building by the state police.  By the time initial communications with law enforcement had occurred and we had developed an understanding of the situation, students had already boarded busses and had begun to congregate outside the school. 

Initial estimates were that the full sweep of the school would be complete prior to busses arriving.  Based on this information and because students had started to arrive at school or had already boarded busses, we made the decision, alongside law enforcement, to begin school as scheduled but have students start at the Horace Mann Middle School.  At this time we notified parents of an ongoing issue at the school which would necessitate us starting the day at Horace Mann Middle School.

Faculty and staff escorted our students as they arrived on campus to locations within the Horace Mann/ Oak Street complex.  At no time did students enter FHS prior to the start of the school day.  As we worked with law enforcement in the early part of the school day, we thought we could return to the school shortly after the scheduled opening.  We then received information that this would be delayed until approximately 9:00AM, and then shortly after 9:30 AM we were given the final "go-ahead" to bring students back into the school.

By 10:00 AM, all students had reported to G period classes and teachers were provided information about the morning's incident to share with students.  Faculty were also briefed on how to monitor students who may need additional support and counselors were available to meet with students as needed.

As the Franklin Police noted in their press release, not all details of the threat are able to be shared as this is an ongoing investigation, and we do not want to hamper the investigation into this matter.  Throughout the morning, school administration worked with local, state and federal authorities to insure the safety of students and to provide the authorities with information necessary to conduct the investigation.  We will continue to monitor the investigation as it progresses, but want to insure all of our students and families that FHS continues to be a safe environment.

Some questions I have received:

Q:  I only received the call this morning to my home telephone.  Why wasn't this sent to email and to cell phones?

A:  This situation unfolded very quickly and when the message was sent, I accidentally selected a feature that only placed the call to home telephones.  Because I was immediately pulled into monitoring students and working with police, I was unaware this was sent only to home telephones.  Now that I am aware of this issue, I will make sure this does not happen again in the event of an emergency.

 

Q:  The message this morning said only that there was an "issue" at the building, but made no reference to a threat.  Why?

A:  Based on the information we had available and after consulting with law enforcement authorities, it was determined that this was the best course of action at the time.  The situation this morning unfolded very quickly and while it was determined early on that student safety was secured, information about the incident, the timeline for resolution and our work in ensuring students could move to Horace Mann Middle School in an orderly fashion all impacted how we distributed information.  As with all situations, we will review our response and use information gathered to make the best decisions in the future.

 

Q:  Why were students held at the middle school so long?

A:  Initial estimates were for a much faster resolution to the incident, however, the size of the school impacted officials' ability to complete the sweep of the building as quickly as initially expected.  As the situation unfolded, we reacted to information as it was made available to us.  It is unfortunate that students had to wait so long before returning to the high school, but it was out top priority to ensure that the school was safe.

 

Q:  Is the school safe now?

A:  Yes, the school is safe.  Once we returned to the school and classrooms, we resumed all school and extra-curricular activities as scheduled.  The investigation is ongoing, but the school has been cleared by law enforcement.

 

Thank you for your time and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Peter Light

Principal

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Franklin Public Schools: FHS Update

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Early this morning, FHS Principal Peter Light received an email that contained a threat to the HS. The Franklin Police and Fire Departments were immediate contacted and they in turn, reached out to the MA State Police to bring in additional resources. The threat was not immediately believed to be credible, but law enforcement and administration wanted to take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe environment for students and faculty. As faculty was already in the building, students had begun to arrive, and busses were enroute, we decided to move all students and faculty to the Horace Mann Middle School. Law enforcement officials with the assistance of administration and faculty did a sweep of the building. We anticipate students will return to the HS at approximately 9:00.

Thanks to the rapid response of law enforcement official students and staff were not in any danger. We will be working with forensic technology experts to locate the source of the threat and we will cooperate with law enforcement official to see that those responsible will never perpetrate this type of threat again.

We want to thank our faculty and students for the way they conducted themselves during this situation. Also we want to thank the administration and faculty of HMMS and Oak for their assistance.


Respectfully,


Maureen Sabolinski, Superintendent of Schools

Peter Light, FHS Principal




This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message.

In the News: final walk through, emergency medial care

For the last time in its 43 year history, the halls of Franklin High School were filled with students.
But some of these students haven’t set foot in the school in years, and came back to catch one final glimpse of the school that they spent four years in.
With a brand new 300,000-square-foot building approaching completion that will open in time for next school year, administration opened the school to the public for the last time Saturday.

You can read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140621/NEWS/140629196/1994/NEWS

Two town councilors held a closed-door meeting with officials from Milford Regional Medical Center this week to discuss Franklin’s urgent care needs and the prospect of bringing in a medical clinic. 

Peter Padula and Judith Pfeffer met privately Thursday afternoon with Milford Regional CEO Frank Saba, among other hospital officials. Council Chairman Robert Vallee has asked Padula and Pfeffer to research outpatient options for the town, such as a satellite emergency room, because he said it takes too long to take Franklin patients in need of critical care to area hospitals like Milford Regional. 

"We’re one of the biggest towns in the Milford area that brings patients to their hospital," Pfeffer said. "They want to make sure we’re being treated and handled as well as possible." 

According to Milford Regional, the ambulance times from Franklin fall within national standards. "But it all depends what section of Franklin you’re going to," Pfeffer noted.

You can read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140621/NEWS/140629318/1994/NEWS

Franklin Fire: Emergency Medical Services - Transport Profile

During the Apr 16 Town Council meeting, Fire Chief Gary McCarragher gave a presentation on the ambulance service with a bunch of good info on response rates, the nature of the ambulance calls, where the patients are transported to, etc.

Franklin Fire Dept

My live reported notes for the presentation can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/live-reporting-ambulance-presentation.html



The presentation used is shown here:





The full set of notes from the Town Council meeting on April 16 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/what-about-bens-books.html

The notes for all the meetings attended and reported on going back to 2008 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/meeting-notes.html