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SHERIFF DEPT. UNION ENDORSES DONELAN
February 20, 2010

The union representing correctional officers at the Franklin County House of Corrections has endorsed Chris Donelan to be the new Sheriff of Franklin County.  Local Union President Angel Cotto said both the Executive Board and the general membership voted to endorse Donelan.  “He is qualified, has great experience and has proven himself as a leader in the public safety field as well as in the community,” Cotto said.

Donelan was a police officer for ten years  and was a probation officer for six before being elected to serve four terms as the State Representative for the 2^nd Franklin District.  At the statehouse, he has served four terms on the Legislatures Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, the past two years as the committee’s Vice Chairman.  Donelan has a Bachelor of  Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from American International College.

The correctional officers union had  meetings with candidates Donelan and Ed Voudren prior to voting to endorse.   The Current Sheriff , Fred Macdonald Was given three opportunities to meet and have a discussion with the officers,  however he cancelled all three meetings that the union had set up for him.

Donelan said he was honored by the endorsement and vowed to work with the employees of the Sheriff’s Department as professional partners in the agencies success. “There is no limit to what we can  accomplish together when we start with the clear understanding that the common goal is the success of the Sheriff’s Department.” Donelan said. “The first step, however, is the clear message that fairness, respect and professionalism will be atmosphere within which we all work together.”

Donelan said the challenges facing the Sheriff’s Department in the coming year will be similar to many other state agencies.  Loss of state funds will impact the jail.  Adding to that is the loss of over 2 million dollars due to the withdrawal of federal immigration detainees the Sheriff used to hold. “Like so many others, these correctional officers are worried about their jobs, and they are worried about their safety if there are too many cut backs,” Donelan said.  “The Sheriff’s Department seems always to be reacting and never getting out ahead and controlling its own destiny.  We need to work together to change that and provide these employees and the community with safety and certainty in the operation of the Sheriff’s Dept.” Donelan said.