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

Have you signed up for the FREE Choking Response Training for the Franklin, MA community - August 20 ??

The Franklin Health Department is offering a FREE Choking Response Training for our community, and we'd appreciate your help spreading the word!

This 1-hour educational class will teach participants how to recognize and respond to choking emergencies involving adults, children, and infants. Attendees will also have the opportunity to practice back blows and abdominal/chest thrusts.

Training Details:

📅 Thursday, August 20, 2026

🕒 3:00–4:00 PM

📍 EOC Classroom

Franklin Fire Headquarters

40 West Central St.

Franklin, MA

Registration:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-64838129-first

This class is FREE to attend. 

Please note that it is for educational purposes only and does not include First Aid or CPR certification.

FREE Choking Response Training for the Franklin, MA community - August 20

The Franklin Health Department is offering a FREE Choking Response Training for our community, and we'd appreciate your help spreading the word!

This 1-hour educational class will teach participants how to recognize and respond to choking emergencies involving adults, children, and infants. Attendees will also have the opportunity to practice back blows and abdominal/chest thrusts.

Training Details:

📅 Thursday, August 20, 2026

🕒 3:00–4:00 PM

📍 EOC Classroom

Franklin Fire Headquarters

40 West Central St.

Franklin, MA

Registration:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-64838129-first

This class is FREE to attend. 

Please note that it is for educational purposes only and does not include First Aid or CPR certification.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, July 20, 2026 ???

Monday, July 20

4:00pm Emergency Preparedness Class (free) (Franklin Fire Department)

7:00pm Summer Concert Series: Community Concert Band (Franklin Senior Center)

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

***  NO Town Meetings today ***

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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Franklin Fire Department shares swimming safety tips

"Stay safe in and around the water this summer!

Whether you’re cooling off at a pool, lake, beach, or backyard, taking a few simple precautions can help prevent water-related emergencies.

The Franklin Fire Department encourages everyone to review these important swimming safety tips before heading out. Remember, drowning can happen quickly and quietly, and constant supervision is the best way to keep children safe around water.

Have fun. Be prepared. Stay safe this summer! "

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DaQtm-Mxdsp/

Town Council witnesses backfill new hires sworn in & approves committee appointments (audio)

FM #1772 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 172 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. 

The meeting recording runs about 1 hours and 40 minutes

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1772-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-17-26/

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Town Council poses with backfill new hires

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/7ofs1YHsfj8?&t=66 

The agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUd2GRsw73fPm4FS9hC690X-hR_aIM4s/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the swearing in's -  https://photos.app.goo.gl/U8E77Df5E6pp41iBA 

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Free Emergency Preparedness class on Monday, July 20

via Franklin Fire Dept

"Come join us on Monday, July 20th at 4 PM. Our Paramedic Intern will be providing a free class on Emergency Preparedness. The location is our Fire Headquarters at 40 West Central St. "

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qzfzHKUjT2GuawPMqXYQoVftJNh4qcrE/view?usp=drive_link

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.

Reminder: FREE Stop the Bleed class - June 17

FREE Stop the Bleed class - June 17 

The Franklin Health and Fire Department is hosting another FREE Stop the Bleed class for community members on June 17th from 4 PM - 5:30 PM at the Franklin Fire station. 

Individuals will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding in order to help save a life. 

 

SIGN UP LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-64326548-stop

Franklin Fire Dept issue Press Release on Elm St Structure Fire, June 3, 2026

Wednesday, 6/3/26

Structure Fire – 35 Elm Street

At 5:04pm PM the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center received calls reporting a possible structure fire at 35 Elm Street.

Franklin Fire units arrived and found heavy fire in a residential home. All occupants had exited the home. Initially, crews made an aggressive interior attack but were quickly driven out by the rapid progression of the fire and heat impinged on a propane tank in the rear of the structure. This caused crews to shift to a defensive operation.

This fire quickly went to a Third Alarm bring in mutual aid from Attleboro, Bellingham, Foxboro, Hopkinton, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Norfolk, Norwood, Plainville, Walpole, and Wrentham Fire Departments. The Franklin Police, Franklin Water Department, Red Cross, and utility companies assisted on scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Franklin Fire Department.

The Canton, Millis, and North Attleboro Fire Departments provided station coverage during this incident.

Contact:

Chief Charles Allen

callen@franklinma.gov

508-553-5570

FREE Stop the Bleed class - June 17

FREE Stop the Bleed class - June 17 

The Franklin Health and Fire Department is hosting another FREE Stop the Bleed class for community members on June 17th from 4 PM - 5:30 PM at the Franklin Fire station. 

Individuals will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding in order to help save a life. 

 

SIGN UP LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-64326548-stop

Reminder on Hands Only CPR class during EMS Week Tuesday, May 19

The Franklin Fire and Health Department is celebrating EMS Week by hosting a FREE hands only CPR class. 

The class will take place on May 19th from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the Franklin Fire Station, 40 West Central St.

SIGN UP LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-63719434-handsonly

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CSb74wpxZ/

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 Fire Department Receives State Funding to Support Fire Safety Education

The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce it has been awarded $13,117 in state fire safety grant funding from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

The department received $9,367 for the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program and $3,750 for the Senior SAFE Program for 2026.

These grants are part of a broader initiative by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, which awarded nearly $2 million statewide to support fire safety education for children and older adults. The SAFE programs provide critical resources to local fire departments to deliver life-saving education and prevention initiatives in their communities.

The SAFE Program focuses on teaching school-aged children how to recognize fire risks and respond safely in emergency situations. The Senior SAFE Program addresses fire risks among older adults through education, home safety improvements and partnerships with local service organizations.

“These grant funds allow our Fire Department to continue providing essential fire safety education to some of our most vulnerable populations,” said Fire Chief Chuck Allen. “By reaching both students and seniors, we are helping to prevent emergencies before they happen and ensuring residents are better prepared to stay safe.”

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/