CHAMBERSBURG – The Franklin County Council of Governments hosted its first-ever Municipal Officials Breakfast on Friday, Sept. 5, bringing together representatives from the county’s 22 municipalities as well as school districts, county government and leaders from local law enforcement and the judicial system.
This first-of-its-kind event created space for municipal officials and public safety partners to engage in a candid, collaborative discussion on regional crime prevention, law enforcement trends, reentry programming and criminal justice partnerships. Due to its success and community participation, the event will now be held annually.
Speaker highlights
• First Chief Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Faust, presenting on behalf of Franklin County District Attorney Ian Brink, reported that drug trafficking and violence continue to affect all areas of Franklin County. The Drug Task Force has seized automatic weapons, fentanyl, methamphetamines and cocaine in recent operations. A large-scale fraud and drug ring with ties to New York City was also dismantled.
• Franklin County Sheriff Ben Sites provided an in-depth look at the Sheriff’s Office operational capabilities and investments in technology, training and infrastructure. These include enhanced courthouse screening processes, field enforcement tools, and proactive use of resources like the Flock program, which is already producing results in Antrim and Southampton Townships. (The Flock program uses an automated license plate reader system provided that offers a network of cameras and cloud-based software to help law enforcement and communities reduce crime.) In 2024, the Sheriff’s Office screened more than 220,000 individuals, completed over 3,000 prisoner transports, and participated in numerous joint enforcement actions.
• President Judge Shawn Meyers emphasized the role of the courts in public safety partnerships and the ongoing efforts of the Criminal Justice Advisory Board. He also introduced Officer Dudley, the 39th Judicial District’s new facility K9, who will support drug court, probation clients and therapeutic programming across the system.
• Pennsylvania State Police Commander Lt. Tandy Carey shared enforcement trends from across Franklin County, including a rise in individuals fleeing troopers and increased violence escalation during routine incidents – affecting both rural and urban areas. She also spoke on the importance of building partnerships and stronger working relationships with local law enforcement and collaboration.
• Warden Heather Franzoni focused on incarceration, recidivism and reentry, offering examples of how structured programs and community support are helping individuals successfully reintegrate after release from the Franklin County Jail.
Sponsor recognition
The Franklin County Council of Governments extends its deepest thanks to its Cornerstone Sponsors Community State Bank and Brown & Walters Insurance Agency as well as its Keystone Collaborators Salzmann Hughes, JHA Companies, and F&M Trust. Their support made this important event possible.COG’s Role in Regional Collaboration
The Franklin County COG serves as a platform for communication, coordination and shared problem-solving across the county’s municipalities, school districts, law enforcement agencies and the court system. This event showcased how bringing these leaders together fosters stronger relationships and better results for communities across Franklin County.
“This event highlighted exactly what local government is capable of when we work together,” said Chris Ardinger, chairman of the Franklin County Council of Governments and Antrim Township administrator. “Whether it’s planning, policing or problem solving, we are stronger when we’re not working in silos. This type of partnership is what keeps our communities safe and our governments effective.”
State Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin), who attended the event, added, “It was exciting to see so many local leaders in one room having real conversations about the issues that impact our communities. The panel was informative, the turnout was impressive, and I’m proud to see Franklin County leading the way on collaboration.”
“The Council of Governments meeting provided an invaluable platform for local leaders to collaborate, exchange perspectives and address shared priorities for the betterment of our communities,” said Brandon Boyer, president of the Tuscarora School District School Board.
Commissioner Dean Horst, chairman of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, who attended the event, added, “It was great to see a room full of municipal leaders from across the county. Public safety is a shared responsibility — every local official plays a role in it, whether directly or indirectly. The more we collaborate on these important topics, the better off Franklin County will be as a whole.”
For more information about COG or upcoming regional initiatives, readers may contact: Chris Ardinger, Chairman, Franklin County Council of Governments or call the Franklin County Planning Department.
About the Franklin County Council of Governments
The Franklin County Council of Governments is a collaborative organization dedicated to fostering cooperation among local municipalities, promoting effective governance and advancing community initiatives throughout Franklin County.
