By J.D. O’Gara

Hey families! Rise up and creep on over to the Franklin Police Station on Sunday, October 23rd, 2022, for a Halloween monster bash, complete with bounce houses, obstacle courses, games, and other tricks, and of course, treats! The annual event will take place from 2-6 p.m. and is great for creatures in Pre-school to 5th grade. 

“Every year, or for most years, the Franklin Police Department, the Patrol Association and the Sergeant’s Association get together and we run this event,” says Franklin Police Officer Paul Guarino. “Years past, we’ve provided pumpkin painting and facepainting for the kids, and we ask that kids dress up, hand out candy and do a little friendly haunted house. We’ll have jumpers (inflatables) and outside type games, cotton candy, hot dogs, and popcorn.”

Guarino estimates that the event has gone on for at least 15 years, with some sabbaticals due to funding or personnel.  

“All the officers that used to run it have retired, and we’re trying to grab the torch and run with it,” says the 19-year FPD veteran, of the Department’s current staff. 

The event, he says, is usually a big hit. “We go through thousands of dollars of candy, literally. It’s a lot of fun, and a lot of people show up. Officers show up in costume.”

Officer Guarino explains that events like the Department’s Halloween party are a good way to build strong relationships with the community. 

“It’s a very positive event, a good way for our officers and our organization to break down barriers between us and our community,” says Guarino. “It’s an opportunity for us to build relations and connections with the youth of the town and see us in a different light, other than enforcing laws. Hopefully, they’ll see us as more of a community member that’s looking to help and provide experiences rather than someone who’s looking to get them in trouble and enforce laws.”

Guarino explains that youngsters’ comfort with the police can aid them if they ever need help.

“We want to build positive relationships. We want kids, if they’re lost, to come to us, not fearing us. We’ve had this message for a long time, just in light of recent events, it’s just become even more important that we continue to do these events and important that we continue to build those relationships. That’s our main objective, and we really enjoy it.” 

For updated information about the event, visit the Franklin Police Department’s Instagram (@franklinmapolice), Facebook page (franklinmapolice) or Franklin PD’s web page on the town website (https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department).