In a step signaling continuity within the Franklin County law enforcement community, Governor Maura Healey has announced the appointment of Lori Streeter as the new Interim Franklin County Sheriff. Streeter, a seasoned officer with over three decades of experience in the local Sheriff's Office and House of Corrections, steps up to the role following the retirement of Sheriff Christopher Donelan.
With a tenure that has seen her climb from an entry-level Correctional Officer to a leadership position as Superintendent and Special Sheriff, Streeter is set to smoothly transition into her new role at the end of this month. Governor Healey expressed confidence in Streeter's capabilities to manage the needs of the community, staff, and inmates, due largely to her deep understanding of the Sheriff's Office dynamics and the trust she has built over the years.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll also weighed in on the appointment, praising Streeter's commitment and expressing enthusiasm about her stepping into this new role. Streeter herself acknowledged the honor of being appointed by Governor Healey and reflected on her journey working under three administrations. "I have worked at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for 35 years and under three administrations. Most recently, I have had the extraordinary opportunity to work alongside Sheriff Donelan as we have been at the forefront of efforts to prioritize mental health and substance use disorder treatment with a locked setting," Streeter told Mass.gov News.
Throughout her career, Streeter has been vocally active in pursuing programs that prioritize substance use disorder and mental health treatment, areas in which she has earned national recognition. She played a vital role in the establishment of the Franklin County Community Justice and Re-Entry Center and has been instrumental in managing the on-site Re-Entry Program. Along with her administrative duties, she has also contributed to the educational sphere, formerly chairing the Massachusetts Sheriff's Association's Education and Training Committee and currently chairs the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Women in Criminal Justice Conference. Streeter, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College, resides in Greenfield.
