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Franklin police chief reports certified hires, promotions and K-9 replacement plans
Summary
At the Feb. 4 Franklin Merit Commission meeting the chief summarized recent personnel actions certified by city council, recognized officers, said two ladder officers were hired, and described an upcoming K-9 replacement funded by community donations. The chief also discussed an upcoming promotion test to be held Aug. 21.
The Franklin police chief told the Merit Commission on Feb. 4 that the city council certified a merit list containing six names and that two ladder officers — Austin Kane and Bailey Smith — were hired and sworn in at a recent council meeting. The chief said the hires have begun training, including firearms and defensive tactics.
The chief recognized Officer Landon Carter with an award for entering a burning home and rescuing an elderly resident; Carter’s family attended the council recognition. Sgt. Jake Massengale was formally promoted after serving in an acting sergeant role, the chief said.
Regarding the certified list, the chief said the department has issued a conditional offer to Ethan Stewart pending physical testing scheduled the morning after the commission meeting. The chief noted that, if needed, the department has previously followed the practice of moving to the next candidate on a certified list.
The chief also addressed the department’s K-9 program: one police dog, assigned to handler Tim Coy, is approaching 10 years of age and is expected to retire before year-end pending health checks. The chief said funding for a replacement is already in place and described a planned fundraiser in August by Masonic Lodge 107 and an affiliated motorcycle club to support purchase of a replacement K-9. The chief clarified that the department has not used city tax dollars for K-9 purchases in recent years and that community donations have funded the program.
The chief reported the department ordered 11 new vehicles for the fleet. He also reminded the commission that this is a promotion year: a required written test will be held on Aug. 21 (the third Thursday in August), and staff will coordinate early steps with IPSP to schedule question selection and other preparatory work.
During the discussion members asked about timing for filling Commissioner Hollis’ seat; the chief said the election date for that seat has not been set and that the Board of Works must set the date. The chief said he would follow up with City Attorney Lynn Gray about scheduling the election.
The remarks in the meeting transcript were informational; no formal personnel appointments or policy changes were adopted by the commission during this item.
