Good morning -

Today is my last day as Sheriff of Franklin County. For 14 years, I've been blessed to be in this position, changing how people who are sentenced to the Franklin County House of Correction are treated, especially if addiction or mental health issues impact them.

In concert with too many others to name here, we've shifted the narrative about working with incarcerated individuals. We introduced new evidence-based practices and programs to treat those who suffered from early childhood trauma, which led them to be involved with the criminal justice system. Interventions such as medically assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), award-winning community-based reentry programs, and more have radically transformed the lives of our staff and those we serve. I am proud of the team that worked with me to create and model what is possible in other correctional institutions across Massachusetts and the country. I feel confident in handing over the keys to Superintendent Lori Streeter, whom Governor Healey appointed as Interim Sheriff earlier this week. She has worked her way to the top of this profession, starting as a corrections officer and becoming an acting sheriff when I was away. She is a highly qualified professional who will serve the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the community well.

My role as Sheriff also led me to become one of the founding co-chairs of the Opioid Task Force in September 2013. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Register John Merrigan and Northwestern District Attorney Dave Sullivan, we have worked tirelessly and seamlessly together for over a decade to help reduce opioid and heroin addiction, prevent overdose deaths, and improve the quality of life in our community. Due to our collective efforts and in collaboration with our community partners, we have expanded access to treatment and recovery options, championed prevention programs to prevent or delay exposure to using substances among our young people, promoted evidenced-based harm reduction programs and practices, held trainings and events to build knowledge and skills, and raised awareness that addiction is not a moral failing or lack of willpower but a complex brain disease that should and can be treated with compassion and leading-edge care.

As Sheriff and co-chair of the Opioid Task Force, I've endeavored to engage the community and build bridges rather than walls to strengthen the civil and social contract we have with each other as members of a caring society.

As I contemplate my next chapter, I remain committed to giving back and hope to influence the next generation of law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals in this vital work through teaching and training opportunities.

It has been an honor to serve.

Sincerely,

Sheriff Christopher J. Donelan

Today is bittersweet as our friend and respected colleague retires as Sheriff. We've known each other for decades, working together to make meaningful differences in the lives of those we serve in our respective roles as District Attorney and Register of Probate.

As elected officials, we have seen it all to address the needs of our constituents. Specifically, it has been profoundly humbling and life-changing to witness how addiction upends the lives of individuals, families, and their communities across generations. 

We had to do something about it. Our shared experience as co-chairs of the Opioid Task Force created an unshakable bond to save lives. Without the Sheriff's participation, our aims could not have been achieved as we envisioned. We remain forever grateful for his leadership in supporting the Task Force's efforts.

We wish him and his family well in his future endeavors and are committed to carrying out his legacy to address addiction.

Sincerely,

   Register John F. Merrigan

  Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan

Co-chairs, Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region