MEMORANDUM
Date: June 18, 2025
To: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
From: James McLaughlin, Fire Chief
RE: Retirement Notice
It is with mixed emotions that I am providing you notice of my intention to retire as the Chief of the Franklin Fire Department, effective on or before October 1, 2025.
There are two equally important reasons for my decision to leave this role I have been proud to hold since July 8, 2019 at this point in time. First, is my desire to spend more time with my family, particularly my father who recently turned the age of 89. Second, one of the first goals I set when I became Chief was to build a succession plan of firefighters who could build upon the work we’ve done together and to lead the Department into the future. At this point there are now several highly qualified internal candidates who are ready to take the helm.
I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to serve the Town of Franklin in my capacity as Fire Chief/EMA Director. It has been an honor and privilege to lead a great Fire Department composed of highly respected firefighters and paramedics who do a phenomenal job everyday serving the community.
I am proud and fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of such a special department and administration. The last six years have been enjoyable, rewarding and deeply gratifying. The department has accomplished many milestones during the past six years including:
● a post-civil service reorganization incorporating Battalion Chiefs
● attaining ISO Class 1 rating
● institution of an aggressive training program
● replacement of all department front line vehicles
● increasing our staffing level to 61 Firefighters/Paramedics up to July 1, 2025
● placing a third impact time ambulance in service up to July 1, 2025
● replacing our CAD software system
● awarded in excess of $3 million in grant funding
None of this could have been possible without the support and hard work of all the members of the department for which I am extremely grateful. I consider the most important accomplishment to be that there has been no fire related fatality or serious injury to civilians or personnel in recent years.
Thank you, Jamie, for having the courage to take a chance by appointing me as your first Department Head in your capacity as Town Administrator. Your support for me and the department during my tenure was a testament to your commitment to public safety in the community.
I am also deeply appreciative of the Town Council and the Finance Committee for all their support. They face fiscal challenges every day yet are steadfast in never compromising the safety of the Town residents. I am truly thankful to the residents of Franklin who welcomed me with open arms and stood with us in making these years both successful and memorable.
I will always consider the Town of Franklin my second home.
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| Chief McLaughlin poses with the Town Council after his swearing in Aug 2019 |
Additional photos of the swearing in at the Town Council meeting Aug 21, 2019
