Franconia voters, in 2020, approved a fourth full-time police officer position

After nearly four decades of having a three-officer department, Franconia voters, in 2020, approved a fourth full-time police officer position for Franconia. Making the case was police chief Mac Cashin, who described a town that’s gotten busier with more visitors (sometimes thousands during peak seasons), an increasing number of calls for service running the gamut, and the need for more intensive investigations into what have been more serious crimes.But installing that fourth officer hasn’t been easy. A lack of qualified candidates and a low number of applicants—a trend not unique to Franconia—contributed to delays. But as 2024 unfolds, thing are looking brighter in terms of staffing, and Cashin is following through on his promise to the town for the fourth officer.