Franklin Fire Department

09/03/2026

08/28/2026

NOTICE: FIRE HYDRANT REPLACEMENT

During the next week, city crews will be replacing old and outdated fire hydrants throughout the city.

Residents may experience temporary low water pressure in areas where work is being performed. All hydrant replacement work will take place after 3:00 p.m. and is expected to be completed within approximately one hour at each location.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to maintain and improve the city’s water infrastructure.

08/11/2026

First and foremost, we would like to THANK the citizens who have supported the Franklin Fire Department, spoken up on this issue, shared our posts, and reached out to parish officials to make your voices heard. Your support has not gone unnoticed!

UPDATE ON FIRE PROTECTION FOR DISTRICT 5

Yesterday, Monday, August 10, Chief Bourgeois was contacted by St. Mary Parish Chief Administrative Officer Paul Governale to schedule a meeting regarding the fire protection contract for District 5.

Today, Tuesday, August 11, Chief Bourgeois met with Mr. Governale to discuss the matter. Chief Bourgeois originally brought these concerns to parish officials in March, but a meeting did not take place until after the Franklin Fire Department publicly announced the possibility of withdrawing fire protection services from District 5.

Unfortunately, today’s meeting did not result in an agreement between the Franklin Fire Department/City of Franklin and St. Mary Parish Government. However, the lines of communication are now open, and multiple options have been presented in an effort to reach a resolution.

We have seen questions asking, “Why is this being done?” Others have suggested that it is “only $32,000 more.” The issue, however, goes beyond that.

The fire protection agreement dates back to 1987, and the St. Mary Parish Government has not fully honored the financial terms of that agreement. Based on the figures shown in the attached image and information previously released, the City of Franklin has gone without more than $1.5 million in funding over the past 39 years. This is why the issue matters. It is about ensuring that the City of Franklin and the Franklin Fire Department receive the funding necessary to provide the services expected under the agreement.

We remain hopeful that this matter can be resolved quickly. It is not the desire of the Franklin Fire Department, Chief Bourgeois, or the City of Franklin to withdraw fire protection from District 5.

We appreciate everyone who has supported us, asked questions, shared information, and made their voices heard. We will continue to keep the public informed as discussions move forward.

08/07/2026

08/05/2026

Attention citizens within the Franklin Fire Department’s rural area also known as Fire District 5.

The areas of Fire District 5 include all of the Irish Bend area, St. Joseph Community, Highway 87 from Oxford Loop to Stinson Road, all of the area East of the city limits to 9900 block of Hwy 182 which includes Garden City area, the Baker Town area and everything south of US 90, and all areas in and around Caffery Curve including Columbia Subdivision.

The Franklin Fire Department is in the process of trying to update the fire protection contract that we have with the St. Mary Parish Government. At the parish council meeting on March 25th, 2026, the Franklin Fire Department requested that the parish council update the contract that was agreed upon and signed in 1987. It has been 39 years since anything has been changed or updated. With that said the City of Franklin/Franklin Fire Department gave the parish council 30 days to act on our request and if our request was not granted the Franklin Fire Department would no longer provide protection for Fire District 5. The deadline date was April 25, 2026.

At the request of the Parish Government, the deadline was moved to a later date in order to have time to gather the necessary information to update the contract. The information that was needed included the number of structures and
population within Fire District 5. In order to make it easy the Franklin Fire Department gathered the information and forwarded it to the parish at the end on June in order to hopefully come to an agreement. Since the information was given to the Parish there has been no effort to negotiate with the Franklin Fire Department.

In total transparency the Fire Department did not request an increase in the fee per structure or fee per citizen. The request kept the same assessed fee from 1987, just updated the number of protected structures and citizens since both
have increased in the last 39 years.

Cost per Structure per Year=$30.77
Cost per Person per Year=$8.79

Structures in 1987=1170
Structures in 2026=1697

Population in 1987=4095
Population in 2026=5939

The City of Franklin and the Franklin Fire Department care for all of our citizens within our fire protection area and we will do everything in our power to maintain fire protection in your area. We sincerely hope that this issue will be resolved quickly and we can continue to provide you with the professional fire protection that you deserve.

We will keep you updated as attempted negotiations transpire.

-Chief Chuck Bourgeois

07/03/2026

The City of Franklin, in partnership with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Louisiana 250, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and the City of Franklin, invites everyone to join us Saturday, July 4, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States.

This isn't just another event its about COMMUNITY! It's a night dedicated to celebrating what makes Franklin special...our people. Families, friends, neighbors, and visitors coming together along the beautiful Bayou Teche to enjoy an evening of community, fellowship, and hometown pride.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and your favorite people as we spend an evening making memories together.

Play Local First:
Beginning at 6:00 p.m., DJ Shannon B will keep the music going with your favorite hits and plenty of opportunities to dance in the street.

Support our local vendors and Eat Local First:

Roger's Sneaux – Snowballs
Papa Butch – Hamburgers, wings, fries, sausage poboy, jambalaya, pork steak burgers
Krewe of Guhmboh – Soft Drinks & Water
P*e Paw's – Boiled Turkey Necks with Corn & Sausage
KK's Lemonade – Fresh Craft Lemonades, Nachos, Hot Dogs, Chili & Homemade Baked Goods
Charles Snack Shack – Loaded Potatoes & Street Tacos

The kids can enjoy the obstacle course and fun jump located behind the Historic Downtown Franklin Pocket Park.

As darkness falls, the Franklin Fire Department will present a spectacular 10-minute fireworks display. Please make your way to the designated viewing area before sunset so you don't miss a moment of the show.

Don't forget your mosquito spray...and most importantly, bring your Franklin spirit. Wear your red, white, and blue, wave your American flags, support our local vendors, and take a moment to meet someone new. Community pride is more than celebrating our nation's history it's about celebrating each other. Together, let's make this a night that reflects the very best of Franklin and reminds us that our greatest strength has always been the people who call Franklin home.

We look forward to celebrating America 250 with you as one community.

It's all here...Under the Lampposts!

🚨Teche Drive will close at 5:00 p.m. between Jackson Street and Willow Street to safely accommodate the celebration.
🚨Willow Street Bridge behind the Courthouse will be closed from 8p.m. following the fireworks display. Please find an alternate route during this time. Please see our official statement regarding public safety posted earlier in the week.

06/15/2026

We are so excited to announce that Acadian Ambulance, St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Department, and the Franklin Fire Department are all bringing out emergency vehicles to this year's WellFest!

Kiddos (and kiddos-at-heart) will have the opportunity to see an Air Med helicopter, an ambulance, a patrol boat, and a fire truck (weather permitting) in the back parking lot of our Wellness Center.

Don't miss out on your chance to see the coolest vehicles around!
📅 Wednesday, June 17, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 1029 Northwest Blvd. in Franklin

06/05/2026

📢 UPDATE: The Berwick Branch event has been rescheduled to Friday, July 17, at 2:30 PM.

Get ready to splash, play, and cool down! The local fire department's Water Day events are a summer favorite for children and families throughout the community. Don't miss it! 💦

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we honor the legacy of those who gave everything for our country. May we never forget their sacrifice. 🇺🇸