For those of us who work and live in Franklin County, we are fortunate to benefit from a legacy of Franklin County sheriffs whose reach includes more than the everyday demanding duties of operating and managing a facility for persons who are
incarcerated, and ensuring our safety in the communities of Franklin County.

This legacy has included engaging and caring for Franklin County in a myriad of ways that has been successfully carried forward by Sheriff Lori Streeter. I am fortunate to see and experience this great legacy of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) and its positive impacts as a LifePath employee and as a Greenfield resident.

For example, the FCSO created the beloved Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter in Turners Falls. When the project was launched in 2012, the dog shelter was a creative
solution to a growing animal control challenge and the need to care for unwanted dogs.
The shelter is now a non-profit 501(c)(3) and supports its dog saving rescue services through ceaseless fundraising efforts and joyful events such as the Pedal for Pups event.
This wonderful place, and the many volunteers who help keep it going, has rescued
thousands of dogs. Since 2012, it appears that expectations for taking on beneficial community initiatives of this nature by the FCSO may be changing due to external
pressures.

There may be other activities in addition to the dog shelter that could be at risk if the
state inspector general considers them to be an expansion of our sheriff’s enforcement
authority. These could include amazing efforts like the FCSO’s TRIAD Program, which
is a crime-prevention and wellness initiative aimed at protecting the safety and
welfare of our older adults. In 2025, TRIAD provided services and support to nearly
1,400 older adults at risk and senior centers. In addition, for over 13 years,
LifePath has been effectively supported by FCSO’s TRIAD program. This amazing effort
exists to support the safety, health, and independence of our aging population. Through
TRIAD, the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, police departments, and SALT
(Senior & Law Enforcement Together) Councils persistently engaged in weaving
together strong partnerships to protect and empower older adults in the greater
Franklin County communities.

TRIAD’s motto of “Care and CommUNITY” is staffed by retired sheriff’s office deputies dedicated to establishing trust, offering resources and ensuring older adults are safe, connected and supported. We at LifePath are deeply grateful for, and rely upon, TRIAD to help us enhance the well-being of our older adult neighbors who may need additional ways that strengthen their ability to live independently. The TRIAD model is a resource for those who have limited financial resources and provides a way to secure supportive devices and
equipment at no cost. This phenomenal community resource also provides lift recliners,
walkers, knee rollers, commodes, and shower chairs. The TRIAD team will do small
repairs on walkers as well.

LifePath provides another piece of this social safety net by notifying TRIAD of the needs
of older adults through our programs. Last year, the LifePath Home Care Program
provided services to over 1,800 people. The LifePath case managers often contact TRIAD to secure and install hospital beds and/or to provide refurbished assistive mobility devices. These are critical items that can increase the opportunity for a person to live more easily at home.

TRIAD is an invaluable partner to LifePath; and is a known, trusted and vital resource in
Franklin County. Increased restrictions on FCSO community engagement levels would
have a significant and negative impact. The FCSO’s Regional Dog Shelter and TRIAD
programs are just two examples of Sheriff Streeter’s team and their fundamental and
positive impact throughout Franklin County. These efforts extend deeper into our community than most of us realize, further extend LifePath’s impact, and improve our
quality of life as a community. These types of Franklin County community initiatives ensure human and animal safety nets are available when we need them.

Susan White is director of Community & Volunteer Resources at LifePath.