He Started as an Auxiliary Officer in the 1990s. Now He's Becoming Chief.

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The Franklin, Massachusetts Police Department is preparing to welcome its next Chief of Police, and his story is a powerful reminder of the career pathways that can begin with volunteer law enforcement. Deputy Chief James West, recently appointed by the Franklin Town Council to succeed retiring Chief Lynch, brings decades of experience and leadership to the position. But his journey began in the 1990s, when he started his law enforcement career as an auxiliary officer, a position recently eliminated throughout all of Massachusetts. From serving as an auxiliary officer to rising through the ranks and ultimately being selected to lead an entire police department, Chief West's career illustrates the tremendous potential of volunteer and auxiliary policing as a gateway to a lifelong career in law enforcement. His story is a powerful example of how answering the call to serve as an auxiliary officer can be the first step toward a career of leadership, service, and impact. Congratulations to Chief West on this well-deserved appointment, and congratulations to the Franklin Police Department and the community it serves!