DPW update in advance of the storm, parking ban announced

Good afternoon Franklin, looks like we got a “Big old Nor’ Easter” coming our way!

Weather forecasters are talking like 2-3 inches of heavy snow an hour, wind gusts up to 60 plus miles per hour, and even "thunder snow”!

Here are highlights of what is going on.

First and foremost, working with the Franklin Police, a full parking ban will be instituted tonight, Feb 22nd at 9PM and going through noon time Tuesday Feb 24th.

What does this mean to you? Please remove your vehicles from the roadways.

Leaving your vehicle in the public right of way makes our job of clearing snow much more difficult, costs more money and potentially causes safety issues for not only us, but also your fellow residents. So please remove your cars from the public right of way!

If you do not, your vehicle will be ticketed and towed if necessary.

Secondly, all non- emergency town offices will be closed tomorrow Feb 22nd due to the storm. Don’t worry, fire, police and most importantly public works will be working for you!

If you have not heard, The Franklin Public Schools will be closed tomorrow Feb 22nd.

Also, scheduled trash and recycling pick up will be delayed one day. I think most folks know the deal. Your Monday trash and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday trash and recycling will be picked up on Wednesday, etc., etc. Don’t worry Public Works and be ready and prepared, but we need your help to have the roads cleared in a timely and safe manner.

If you don’t have to go out, stay home, especially while it is snowing.

After the storm don’t put snow in the roadways, this includes cleaning off your in the street. cleaning them in the roadway potentially causes a safety problem for your neighbors but also takes more time and money for us to clean up.

If you lose power, contact the provider directly. Please do not call 911.

Most importantly have patience and understanding as this storm has the potential to be a long one!

Don't forget to check on your neighbors…

Have an excellent public works day!!!

Audio version - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1663-franklin-ma-dpw-snow-storm-update-02-22-26/ (audio added 4:15 PM)

https://www.facebook.com/share/185Xb7SAsC/

Uxbridge Police Officer Tribute - Standout on the i495 overpasses in Franklin

via Officer Frankie

"This morning, members of the Franklin Police Department and Franklin Fire Department stood in tribute during the procession of fallen Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner."

View the video clip here ->  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTTYCROET6d/

Uxbridge Police Officer Tribute - Standout on the i495 overpasses in Franklin

Franklin Police ran “Operation Magic School Bus” on Wednesday; be aware, they'll be back

Franklin Police ran “Operation Magic School Bus”

OPERATION MAGIC SCHOOL BUS

This morning we executed “Operation Magic School Bus” in partnership with Holmes Busing.

We’ve noticed an increase in complaints online regarding motor vehicle violations surrounding school buses picking up kids in the morning. Operation Magic School Bus paired an officer in an unmarked patrol cruiser with a bus driver. We followed behind their routes and enforced school bus violations.

To those who choose to violate our school bus laws willingly, carelessly, or negligently, just know the Magic School Bus Unit is out there.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17zh66X6Z4/

Congratulations on Your Retirement, Sergeant Michael Campanelli!

Congratulations on Your Retirement,
Sergeant Michael Campanelli!

Congratulations on Your Retirement, Sergeant Michael Campanelli!

After three plus decades of dedicated service, we congratulate Sergeant Michael Campanelli on his well-earned retirement from the Franklin Police Department. His leadership, commitment, and dedication have left a lasting impact on both the department and the community he served.

We wish you nothing but happiness and relaxation in this new chapter. You’ll be missed!

Enjoy your retirement, Campa!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FX2F1jB56/

Franklin Police Patrol Association schedule golf tournament for Oct 6, 2025

Franklin Police Patrol Association
schedule golf tournament for Oct 6, 2025

The Franklin Police Patrol Association is hosting their annual golf tournament October 6th. Visit their Facebook page or see the attached flyer to learn more about the event and association.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1BFzrLFU9U/?mibextid=xfxF2i

golf tournament for Oct 6, 2025

Community Alert: Let Medway help us avoid what they experienced

A valuable reminder from the Medway Police Department:

"This morning, multiple vehicles were broken into at Orangetheory in the Medway Commons. Windows were smashed, and belongings were stolen.

This type of crime is consistent with known organized groups that travel across states and communities, targeting fitness centers, parks, and similar places. Their MO often includes breaking into vehicles to steal purses, wallets, or bags that are left in plain sight, then quickly using stolen credit cards or cashing stolen checks before victims even realize what happened.

Community Alert: Let Medway help us avoid what they experienced 

📌Aside from today's incident, other recent activity includes:

- Last week: Checks stolen from a vehicle in another part of the state were cashed at a Medway bank.

- Over the Weekend: Credit cards were stolen from a gym locker room in Millis and were used shortly after at CVS in Medway.

To help prevent these crimes, always lock your vehicle, avoid leaving valuables in sight, and take personal belongings with you whenever possible. Staying alert in parking areas and reporting suspicious behavior can make a big difference!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DMNj97Nt5Ve/

Franklin Police Investigating report of shots fired

FPD Investigating report of shots fired

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at approximately 9:10 PM a resident reported hearing gunshots in the area of 758 Union Street in Franklin and called the police.

Upon arrival officers could not find anyone in the area however they recovered shell casings in the area. Officers checked with all residents in the area and it was determined that no one was hurt and no damage was found to any property.

The case is currently being investigated by the Franklin Police Detective Unit. No additional information or interviews will be released at this time.

Shared from the Franklin Police Dept Press Release ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uIqSKtZZ_E38tzFf2yDPHbmmObZkRs1X/view?usp=drive_link

 

Franklin Police Department celebrates accomplishments of the Co-Response Program

via the Franklin Police Department

"We may be a day late and a dollar short as it was extremely difficult to get all three to smile at the same time, but we made it. 😁

🚔💙 In honor of National Social Worker Day, we'd like to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of our Co-Response Program team! 

The Franklin Police Department's Co-Response Program, launched in 2018, pairs police officers with mental health clinicians to provide on-scene crisis support, mental health evaluations, and substance use assistance.

(L-R) Kallie Montagano, Sonja Wagner, and Caroline Ferris

This year, we’re proud to recognize our 3 amazing clinicians — Kallie Montagano, Sonja Wagner, and Caroline Ferris — who are making a huge difference in our community. 

Thanks to them and their dedication, we’ve been able to:

* Help 837 individuals in 2024.

* Divert 16 individuals from arrest and into treatment, saving $114,704 in criminal justice costs.

* Divert 93 individuals from unnecessary emergency department visits, saving $203,484 in healthcare costs.

The goal remains to keep individuals in the community with the right support. Thank you, Kallie, Sonja, and Caroline, for your hard work and commitment! "

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/18owd3287h/

Franklin Town Council gets update on the FY 2026 deficit, primed with a performance by FHS student quartet; 2 part audio

FM #1398-1399  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1398-1399 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, March 5, 2025. All 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers.  

The audio is in 2 sections:

Part 1 - the beginning and the ending (1 hour 40 mins)

Part 2 - the FY 2026 preliminary budget review & discussion (2 hours)

Quick recap:

Part 1 - non budget

Part 1 audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1398-town-council-mtg-non-budget-sections-03-05-25/

• Police officer Steven Dejoie sworn in replacing Officer Lawrence who had retired a couple of months ago

• A string quartet of FHS students played a brief piece as part of a recognition of their music achievements which also resulted in a formal proclamation of their accomplishments. Many other students recognized were in the audience as well

• Dan Sherman provided the annual update on the town progress towards funding their OPEB liability. We are in good stead, better off than many other MA communities. We will do better once the Norfolk Retirement liability is paid off (2035ish) and that amount of funding can be shifted to the OPEB liability to advance the payoff schedule

• Approval for easement granted to DCR for access to SNETT extension, also a commitment from them for $1M to help prepare it when the trail does become ours (will take time with Federal process)

• From TA Report - another first in that the Town is first in using opioid funding for the Art Pharmacy program, more to come on this exciting opportunity for health with an economic development aspect for local arts/culture organizations

Part 2 - FY 2026 Budget

Part 2 audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1399-town-council-mtg-fy-2026-prelim-budget-03-05-25/

• FY 2026 - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the preview of the budget, some updates had been previewed most recently on Tuesday at the Senior Center with the Joint BUdget Listening Session. More was expanded upon here. The documents will be posted to the Town budget page today. We are in a $3.8M deficit and coming up with that (or an amount close to it) is likely the only way to maintain "level service". What we have is what will stay, if we want increases or expansions to such services, we need to get by this one first before considering more. "we need a win" someone said in the course of the discussion

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

Part 1

Part 2

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

Franklin TV video ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAHS9BRE4cA&t=100 

The agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052025-1608 

The budget preview presentation ->

https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4620/2025-03-05-Budget-Update---Town-Coucil-Version-PDF 

My notes captured during the session

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TELQ8ylitbI6RxGjNDCll4poFZsu2ONg/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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. 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"

primed with a performance by FHS student quartet

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)

National Grid Helicopter to Patrol Entire Electric Transmission System in Franklin

via Franklin Dept of Public Works 

"FYI: National Grid Helicopter to Patrol Entire Electric Transmission System

Beginning 2/3/25, National Grid will conduct helicopter visual patrol of its entire Transmission system along statewide rights-of-way. This visual survey is expected to last 3 weeks dependent on good weather.

The licensed vendor, JBI will be flying a Blue/Yellow helicopter at patrol speeds with a brief hover over transmission structures that may require maintenance work.

If you have any questions, please contact the Northborough Dispatch Center (800) 462-9852."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AFJ1Rskie/

National Grid Helicopter to Patrol Entire Electric Transmission System in Franklin

EpiPen; a safe idea used by the Franklin Police

Franklin Police EpiPen Program

Over the last year, Franklin Police Officers have been carrying adult and child EpiPens (epinephrine) with their daily first aid equipment. To date, the Epipen program has been instrumental in helping those experiencing anaphylaxis. One call came recently where an individual was stung by a bee and did not know they were allergic to bees. They were experiencing anaphylactic shock and could not breathe. 

The EpiPen program was initiated by Officer David Ricci. Traditionally we have utilized our partners from the Franklin Fire Department for administering EpiPens. Dave is one of our department medical instructors and served in the United States Navy as a Navy Corpsman.

Officer Dave Ricci

Another officer brought it to Dave’s attention that we carry several items in our medical kit but not EpiPens. All officers are trained in administering EpiPens in our yearly in-service training. Dave realized, that if we’re trained and capable of saving someone’s life with a tool, why not have the tool ourselves? We interact with people who may not know they have allergies or those who might not be able to afford the medication. Dave found that very few police departments in the state carry EpiPens.

From there Dave got buy-in from the department and went to work. His proposal included: a description of the program; the resources to acquire the medication; the laws allowing us to carry and administer the medication; the benefits of carrying the medication; the risks of administering the medication; a list of our calls for service related to potential anaphylaxis; and a cost analysis to determine yearly expenditures.

Dave obtained a memorandum of agreement from the Medical Advisor for police departments in the state and a controlled substance registration through the Department of Public Health. From there Chief Lynch signed off on the initiative and EpiPens were purchased for the department. On any given shift there are 6 EpiPens ready for use across our patrol division to help save a life.

Great job Dave!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/o8VNWBj3wkeJQDbY/