Franklin Retires Fire Chief, Votes in New One

During the Franklin Town Council meeting Wednesday evening

James McLaughlin (above( has been the Fire Chief of the Franklin Fire Department since July 2019 and is also the town's Emergency Management Agency Director. In June 2025, Chief McLaughlin announced plans for his retirement. During the Franklin Town Council meeting Wednesday evening, he made his departure official, citing achievements during his tenure, including completion of ISO certification by the department.  He credited the high caliber of the people in the department for that success and others during his time in town. He also lauded the Town government for supporting training and education for the department.

Then it was time for Town Administrator Jamie Hellen to officially nominate a replacement from within the department -- the first such "from within" promotion in more than 40 years. Hellen noted that a number of high quality candidates were considered but said the choice ultimately became Charles "Chuck" Allen.

Allen previously served as a Battalion Chief for the Franklin Fire Department.  In March 2025, Allen was actually appointed Chief of the East Bridgewater Fire Department by that town's Select Board but could not come to an acceptable contract, so never actually left his role in Franklin. 

 He joined the department in 2000 as a firefighter/paramedic and was promoted to Battalion Chief in July 2020 as part of a departmental restructuring.

 As Battalion Chief, Allen was a spokesperson during a fire that displaced dozens of residents from a Franklin condominium complex in May 2021.

Above, Charles "Chuck" Allen speaks after his appointment. Among his comments were an appreciation of his wife (immediately behind him) and her support of his career..and he let slip that it was her birthday, prompting a spontaneous singing of Happy Birthday by those in attendance.

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And, in Medway...

Next  Tuesday will he Medway Fire Department’s Change of Command Ceremony, where they will honor Chief Jeffrey Lynch as he retires after 13 years of dedicated service to the Town of Medway, and nearly 50 years in the fire service.

During the ceremony, Michael Fasolino will be sworn in as Chief of Department, and Thomas Irwin will be sworn in as Deputy Chief.