Franklin Fire Dept gets training on thermal imaging

Franklin Fire Dept gets training on thermal imaging

Franklin Fire (@FranklinMAfire) posted Fri, Oct 24, 2025:

This week each group received an in depth presentation on thermal imagers by Bob Athanas from Safe-IR.

Shared from -> https://t.co/F8TUirqtx7

Town Council helps complete many goals in a marathon 4 hour plus session on Wednesday (video)

The Franklin Town Council met for their next to last session of the current term on Wednesday, October 22. The agenda was the same as the one published for Oct 15 which was not held and rescheduled for the 22nd. All 9 councilors were present for the session in Council Chambers.

The full agenda took over 4 hours to complete. Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SdsqXbknGQ

Meeting agenda contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1953 

Quick recap:

• The recent Fire Dept promotions were sworn in. The promotions show the domino effect of the retirement of Chief McLaughlin. Charles (Chuck) Allen moved up from Battalion Chief to Fire Chief, Sean Lovely took Chuck's former role as Battalion Chief, and Jaden Brodeur took Sean's former role as Lieutenant. Photos of the swearing in and pinning by family members can be viewed in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/g3Y1X5Emuspooz6g6
• The Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee was appointed after first voting to increase the size of the committee that was initially scoped and authorized
• The 2025 Election Workers were approved as submitted by Town Clerk Nancy Danello
• A public hearing on a New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Bassam Michael as the Manager - BMRG LLC d/b/a Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub was conducted and the changed were voted in as approved.
• The public hearing on Multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager, Change of Officers/Directors & Change of Stock - Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World was continued to Oct 29. The principals involved were ready for the original Oct 15 session but unable to meet the rescheduled date
• Alan Earls, Historical Commission Chair presented an overview of the ideas for the Historical Museum 2.0  https://photos.app.goo.gl/rSGBDkPJPKgSaKFe9
• An overview of the Historic District Commission Process should the Town decide to go forward with one was presented by Will Lee, Historical Commission Member & Rowan Lowell, Town Archivist   https://photos.app.goo.gl/qkaVaRd9w3Anh3Nv6
• Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator provided an update on the status of Town Council & Town Administrator 2024-2025 Goals. A new set of  goals will be determined by the next Council.    https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7172/8c-2024-2025-Town-Council-and-Town-Administration-Goals---Oct-2025
• Two resolutions were approved to process a State grant to fund the Franklin Stormwater Asset Management Plan
• A brief hurrah was heard after the approval of the Adoption of the Schmidt Farm and Maple Hill Master Plans
• Approval of Sewer System Map & Water System Map changes for Symphony Dr
• The Collection Containers bylaw was approved. The Elks in this case but any non-profit would have a collection container on their property with authorization from this bylaw
• Two measure to authorize Residential Commercial Kitchens for locations that are on septic systems (not Town sewer) were approved as an enhancement for economic development of small businesses
• A set of 6 bylaws were approved as amended to create the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District. Councilor Frongillo recused himself for the discussion and votes as his father owns a business in the proposed (now authorized) district
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided and update that the Department of Conservation and Recreation would like to help fund the work to extend the SNETT to the Crossing Neighborhood District. 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting can be found in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P7VMhEm04zewpCdXxAIVjqtoL8S7gzix/view?usp=drive_link

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 ??

Saturday, Oct 18

8:00am St. Mary Men's Faith Formation Group (St. Mary's Parish)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am NO KINGS Franklin (Franklin Village Plaza)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin Fire Headquarters)

10:30am Trunk or Treat (Franklin Public Library)

12:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

1:00pm Library "books by the bag" Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm The Wolves (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm SHOW CANCELLED - Richard Shindell (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

7:30pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm The Wolves (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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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

Town of Franklin: Human Resources is looking for candidates for positions in Conservation, Fire Dept, Library, Police Dept, Facilities & DPW

To be considered for an open position, please submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format via email to Human Resources. 

Be sure to include the job title in the subject line of your email to ensure accurate processing. 

If you do not have a resume, you may submit a completed Application for Employment (PDF) as an alternative.

• Director of Conservation - Conservation Department 
• Licensed Plumber  - Facilities Department
• Firefighter / Paramedic - Franklin Fire Department
• Librarian - Youth Services - Franklin Public Library
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator-  Department of Public Works
• Co-Response Clinician - Police Department
• Custodian (part-time) - Facilities

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/228/Job-Opportunities

Join Rise Up this Saturday at a *Different Location* 🌄 - Franklin Fire Dept Hdqtrs

Good morning,

Rise Up is meeting this Saturday at a different location for a special social hour with the Franklin Fire Department!

Date: Saturday, Oct 18

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Franklin Fire Headquarters, 40 West Central Street

Parking: On the right side of the building, or over-flow in the back lot

Entrance: We will have a door propped open on the right side of the station at a ramp entrance, at least until 10:10 AM. We may close the door after that, depending on the weather, but you can knock or come to the front entrance instead. If you choose to enter the front door, press the button on the wall, and let the person know you are at the station for a Rise Up meeting.

Restrooms: There are handicap accessible restrooms.

Sensory: Being at the fire station, there is awareness that an alarm bell could go off to notify the staff of an emergency. To help minimize any noise sensitivity needs, the room we are meeting in will have the alarm turned off. I will also have earplugs for anyone who needs extra support. 

Join Rise Up this Saturday

Outline:

- open social time

- presentation by Franklin Fire/EMS

- announcements

- view trucks 

- hang out, wrap-up

Hope you see you there!!

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Fire Dept hiring to backfill open positions

Fire Dept hiring to backfill open positions

via Franklin Fire Dept

We’re hiring Firefighter/Paramedics!

Check out the job posting: https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7187/Firefighter—Paramedic-2025-10

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DPt6hn6Edpq/

Franklin Fire Dept announce receipt of FEMA grant for training

Franklin Fire Dept announce receipt of FEMA grant for training

Franklin Fire (@FranklinMAfire) posted Mon, Sep 29, 2025:

The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $119,023.63 grant through the @fema Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.  These funds will be used for training. 

shared from -> https://t.co/wXM6oLTbq4

Sign up for the next FREE hands-only CPR class scheduled for Oct 22

Sign up for the next FREE hands-only
CPR class scheduled for Oct 22

The Franklin Fire and Health Department is having another FREE hands-only CPR class for the community in October. 

All you have to do is copy and paste the link or scan the QR code to set up. 

SIGN UP LINK:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-58802304-hands

You can download the flyer as a reminder or to share  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cBZvhy2iBQ3VVkS0I8qqBAg9jHR4BaGa/view?usp=drive_link

Annual Fire Dept Open House scheduled for Saturday, Oct 4, 2025

Annual Fire Dept Open House
scheduled for Saturday, Oct 4, 2025

via the Franklin Fire Dept:

We are hosting our annual Open House on October 4th from 10 AM - 2 PM. 

This is at our Headquarters located at 40 West Central St. 

Please stop by and join us!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/18zxnW6iYE/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 ??

Library & Senior Center events

Wednesday, September 10

1pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

3pm FREE "Stop the Bleed" class (Franklin Fire Department) 

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, September 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102025-1906

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What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

Officer Dave Gove and Officer Amanda Ayer recognized for response for an infant not breathing

Via Franklin Police:

Gianna and her parents Kelcey and Nick stopped by the station to thank Officers Gove and Ayer

"We’re very happy to share this post with permission of Gianna’s family. Last month, Officer Dave Gove and Officer Amanda Ayer responded to a residence in Franklin for an infant not breathing. Officer Gove and Ayer arrived first and Officer Gove began performing on CPR on baby Gianna. Care was quickly transferred to the Franklin Fire Department. Gianna was in for a fight but she prevailed!

Today Gianna and her parents Kelcey and Nick stopped by the station to thank Officers Gove and Ayer for their response that difficult morning and we are so grateful they did!

Officer Gove and Officer Ayer have been School Resource Officers in our schools. Due to staffing restrictions they were reassigned to our patrol division this past July and they both work day shift together.

Incidents like this highlight the superior training and preparedness our officers have to respond to these critical incidents. GREAT JOB Officer Gove and Officer Ayer!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BEkYyTDjr/

FREE "Stop the Bleed" class - September 11 at the Franklin Fire Station #1

FREE "Stop the Bleed" class - September 11
at the Franklin Fire Station #1

The Franklin Health and Fire Department is having another FREE "Stop the Bleed" class for community members on September 11 from 3 PM - 4 PM at the Franklin Fire station.

Sign up link -> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-58076617-911

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dthFs44PgqF5xmsvQeeG-JOvAhbPQ3aB/view?usp=drive_link

Joint Community Firefighter Training in "confined space technical rescue" conducted

Joint Community Firefighter Training in "
confined space technical rescue" conducted

On Monday, Franklin Fire hosted a confined space technical rescue drill today with our partners from Bellingham, Medway, and Norfolk Fire Departments.

This team training collaboration ensures that the citizens in our part of Norfolk County are well protected by these highly trained fire rescue personnel in the event a high-risk emergency like this occurs.

Find additional pictures on Instagram -->  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNBLVQGMW6d/

FREE Stop the Bleed class - August 12, 2025

FREE Stop the Bleed class - August 12, 2025

The Town of Franklin Health Department & Fire Department Present: Stop the Bleed!

Learn how to STOP THE BLEED and gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding.

When: Tuesday August 12, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Where: Franklin Senior Center 10 Daniel McCahill St, Franklin

Please sign up by calling the Senior Center at 508-520-4945

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WtCKNa6jB7Rxyw_N6HaEVHtw0mTaKyWL/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Fire Dept hosts technical rescue training

Franklin Fire hosted a technical rescue training drill today (07/21/25) at Indian Rock in town. We were joined by our peers from Bellingham and Millis Fire Departments.

These collaborative trainings ensure that when low-frequency, high-risk technical rescue incidents occur, your local fire department’s are skilled, equipped, and ready to respond.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DMYnIkZyHJZ/

Franklin Fire Dept launches Community Connect

Community Connect allows residents and businesses to enter in critical information for first responders to use in an emergency, such as;

• 

  Franklin Fire Dept launches Community Connect

  How many residents reside at the address
• Any access or functional needs
• Any pet information
• Where bedrooms are located
• Where hazardous materials are located
• Contact information
• Door codes

Here is the link to register:  https://www.communityconnect.io/info/ma-franklin

This is a safe and secure program that is free.  For more information, check out the flyer:   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6309/Community-Connect?bidId=

Shared from the Town of Franklin Fire Dept page ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/1179/Community-Connect

FIre Chief James McLaughlin announces retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025

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.

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

https://photos.app.goo.gl/p6nP1ejsAz2v5wR58

Stop the Bleed Class scheduled for June 18

Good afternoon,

The Franklin Fire and Health Department is having another free Stop the Bleed class for the community. The class will be on Wednesday June 18th from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. 

Stop the Bleed Class scheduled for June 18 

Location: EOC classroom at the Franklin Fire Headquarters. Please share the attached flyer and link below, so individuals are able to sign up. 

Thank you for your help!

SIGN UP LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-57085363-stop

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mlhXzCcxlnGMweK2TfFa-yJE24AmZLkF/view?usp=drive_link

2nd FY 2026 budget hearing confirms what happens if June 3 override fails for Police, Fire, DPW services (audio)

FM #1437 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1437 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Tuesday, April 29, 2025. All 8 members of the Committee were present in the 3rd floor training for the second of the series of Budget Hearings for FY 2026. This session covered Public Safety (police, fire, dispatch and inspections) and Public Works (DPW, water, sewer, roads, etc).   

Quick recap:

• Police Chief TJ Lynch started his update. Basically the same as last year with some minor adjustments. If the override were to fail, he would loose 2 officers. He is hiring to backfill for retirees and transfers. When as ked to elaborate on that, he provided the details on the 5 recent departures, with one being sworn in at Council meeting and one still to be hired.

• Deputy Chiefs Klich & Barberi provided the update in lieu of Chief McLaughlin out this week on vacation. 

• Similar to the police update, very little change in totals. If the override fails, they would lose the staffing for the 3rd ambulance. The 3rd ambulance responded to over 100 calls last year and resulted in over 70 hospital transports during its 40 hours of weekly coverage. The community would notice the difference in slower response times as mutual aid would be providing more coverage than they do today

• Discussion on vehicle replacement both costs increasing and lead times lengthening. A new ambulance ordered in 2022 is scheduled for delivery in August. The Tower truck ordered in 2023 is scheduled for delivery this summer. The current Tower would stay in the fleet and move to back up status, as would the older of the ambulances when the new one arrives.

• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW director and Kathy Mooradd, Administration and Budget manager presented initially. Doug Martin, Water/Sewer Superintendent stood up along the way to cover water and sewer updates.

• Similar to the police and fire updates, a level funded budget being presented. Note, not a level service budget. The dollar remains about the same but the materials cost across the DPW departments account for 65% of the total budget (35% of the personnel cost). The same amount of money is getting less to work with. A failed override will also be noticeable but not right away. Water will still run, sewers will still operate, other maintenance and road repairs, etc. will be delayed or take longer.

• There were other budget items discussed; Building & inspection, MECC dispatch. 

The meeting total only runs 90 minutes so it should be easy enough to catch up to. The audio and transcript will come out also (audio Thursday, transcript on the weekend).

The recording runs about 90 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1437-tof-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-2-04-29-25/

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Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFHPuafjzDg 

AI Generated transcript (speaker name checked for accuracy by S Sherlock)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jSB3bYj8WkN4_wmenjvvbU-DPjIwVsx8/view?usp=drive_link

The agenda doc for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1699

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocIK4PjauaMMklMFVxkybmp4eTf5716K/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!

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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"

 

2nd FY 2026 budget hearing confirms what happens if June 3 override fails for Police, Fire, DPW services (audio)