FRANKLIN, MA. – On Thursday, April 16, Wellpoint, a health benefits company serving the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission, recognized Franklin Police Chief Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch as an honoree in its Hometown Heroes program during a celebration at the Franklin Police Department.

Under Chief Lynch’s leadership, the Franklin Police Department achieved full accreditation, expanded regional collaboration through the MetroLEC SWAT task force, and established a co-response model that integrates mental health clinicians into policing and makes therapy dogs available to support residents in times of need.

The Hometown Heroes initiative celebrates the invaluable contributions of public servants, local first responders, teachers, and military personnel across Massachusetts, shining a spotlight on the everyday acts of courage and kindness that strengthen our communities.