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/

Dean College neighborhood alert for week of July 14 to July 19, 2024

"PLEASE GIVE THIS A READ IF YOU LIVE BY DEAN COLLEGE

The FBI National Academy Associates of New England is conducting the 5th session of the New England Youth Leadership Program (YLP) at Dean College from July 14 - 19. The New England YLP is limited to 30 students ages 14-16 throughout New England.

***That being said, every day/night on campus there will be live law enforcement demonstrations including K9s, swat personnel, swat vehicles, and explosive ordnance disposal (bomb squad)***

This will explain the potential increased police presence in that area throughout the week. If there are any emergencies separate from this program you’ll read it here first. Any questions throughout the week give us a call on our non-emergency line."

Shared from Franklin Police Dept -> https://www.facebook.com/share/eAAPPpfWbSpDBpHq/

Dean College neighborhood alert for week of July 14 to July 19, 2024

Franklin 4th of July Fireworks info - no rain date

Via the Franklin Police Dept:

***FRANKLIN FIREWORKS***

Tomorrow (Saturday, July 6) night the fireworks are set to return to the high school weather permitting. If you’re out exploring Franklin you’ll see no parking signs throughout town (Panther Way, Oak Street by the schools, Daniel McCahill Way, and Main Street by the old Charter School and up to Main Street). Just so we’re all on the same page, no parking means no parking. There will be plenty of parking at the schools, ice rinks, and elsewhere around the common. Don’t forget about the carnival up at the common.

Around 9 pm we’ll begin to close roads. Expect closures of Church Square, Beaver Street at 140, all of Oak Street, the Highland/Lexington/Concord neighborhoods, and Union Street at 140.

Once the fireworks conclude traffic all traffic leaving the High School, Horace Mann, Oak Street, and ECDC will be directed towards Oak Street and Pond Street. No traffic will be allowed towards the common. Traffic coming from the ice rink will be directed towards 140.

There will be cones and saw horses out blocking roads. Just so we’re all on the same page again, if the road looks blocked…it’s probably blocked. Don’t drive around it, don’t move the barriers, and don’t run over the cones.

Other than that you can expect a FPD and FFD presence at the event. If you need anything give us a call or flag us down. We’ll see you tomorrow!

Lastly…there is no rain date for the fireworks!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fBgVFgHFdFmoUTge/

Franklin 4th of July Fireworks info - no rain date

Officer Frankie training session - June 27, 2028

Officer Frankie training session

 

Office Frankie reports on her training:

"Today we went for a ride. Mom got out and started walking away 😢🐕‍🦺. AND she took my SUPPER with her 🤔. I think dad was mad, cuz we then drove away! We stopped, he patted me, I kissed him. Then we went back to where mom got out ( did I mention she took my supper with her 🤯)!!!! Then dad and I went to find her (and get my supper back) 💙🐕‍🦺🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾. After a little bit I found her and got my SUPPER🐕‍🦺💙🐕‍🦺💙🐕‍🦺. Now we are home and it’s ball time. Woot woot." 

View some of the video of the walk -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C8vW4wNsyUs/

Franklin Police Patrol Association set their 9th annual golf fund raiser for July 8

"The Franklin Police Patrol Association is hosting their annual golf tournament July 8th.  

Visit their Facebook page or scan the QR code for more information!"

Direct link to register -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-police-patrolmens-union-golf-tournament-tickets-906427568257

 Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/pfbid02gk37BG3d4crgVYrPbZqwfUKgRtREmoMvCqBpbq1UUhfkjr4afAo7xpRGKU8uCWfJl 

Franklin Police Patrol Association set their 9th annual golf fund raiser for July 8

Commend a Franklin (MA) Police Officer

Frequently, many of our officers exceed the expectations of the public by providing exceptional service that surpasses the norm. If you observe a Franklin police officer performing their duties in a manner that you think is exceptional and reflects favorably upon the officer and the Franklin Police Department, then please let us know about it.

Officers take great pride in being recognized by members of the community when they have exceptionally performed their duties. Also, officers who receive such praise from the citizens realize that their hard work is appreciated. We want to hear from you!  

To commend an officer please visit the attached link: https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/webforms/commend-franklin-police-officer

 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/CbQoDARsBJR8dPUG/

 

Commend a Franklin (MA) Police Officer

 

Congratulations to Montagano, Ferris, Colecchi for graduation from Crisis Response & Behavioral Health certificate course

(L-R) Colecchi, Ferris, Montagano

Congratulations to Clinician Kallie Montagano, Clinician Caroline Ferris, and Sgt Michael Colecchi. Earlier today (May 20, 2024) all three graduated from the William James College Graduate Certificate Course in Crisis Response & Behavioral Health.

The Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health at William James College provides training and education to mental health professionals and law enforcement on effective response methods for encounters with individuals who are experiencing a psychiatric, substance-related, or mental health crisis.

The program addresses an important need for expanding roles and opportunities in public safety and seeks to create effective partnerships between mental health and law enforcement.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C7NN7ZMxQti/

Do you want a Frankie Patch?

Frankie patches are here!!! 

Come down to the station to get your Frankie patch for $10/each to help support all of our community programs including our summer Leadership Camp. 

While you’re there get an OG Ben patch too. 💙🐕‍🦺💙 @officer_frankie

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C69quXvJsE1/

Do you want a Frankie Patch? 

Finance Committee reviews Public Safety and Public Works budgets (video)

The Finance Committee held their second of three budget hearings on Wednesday, May 8 in the Council Chambers. 

The 3rd and final budget hearing is scheduled for May 15 with the school budgets covered (Franklin Public Schools, Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie.)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/kRJStUo28Q8?si=YQQ8EPTnnAz3XMJe&t=61

The departmental budgets covered were:

• Public Safety:
• 210 Police Department
• 220 Fire Department
• 225 Regional Dispatch
• 240 Inspection Department
• 292 Animal Control
• b. Department of Public Works (DPW):
• Departments: 422 Public Works
• Enterprise Funds:
• 450 Water
• 440 Sewer
• 434 Solid Waste
• 460 Stormwater

Agenda doc contains links to the supporting documentation  ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-05-08_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 of 3 - Public Safety & Public Works - May 8