MODELS OF SERVICE – Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
The Township of Franklin lost a number of long-time citizens over this holiday season. I knew most of them in the various roles that I have been privileged to serve our community over the past 40 years.
A review of their obituaries read like a model of service to our neighbors – volunteering for fire companies, ambulance squad, homeless shelters, to name a few. They had first names of Dorothy, Margaret, Frank, and Donald and they were givers – not takers – in our community. They will be missed.
I would like to focus on three men whose passing made me sad during this season of joy. Robert L. Lindmeier, Sr., Joseph W. Olsen, and William Wright. All were residents of the township while they served in the police department. Two retired as Lieutenants, one rose to the position of Chief of Police. The three had one thing in common. They cared about the people they served. They made their mark while on active duty, and were clearly the foundation of a fine police department.
I was their chief from 1976 to 1988 and I can assure you that their contributions were immense. I cared about them; I will miss them, and I wish them and their families God’s peace.
Jim Hogan
Franklin Twp.