Franklin honors retiring police chief

FRANKLIN — As Borough of Franklin Police Chief Eugene McInerney begins his final official week as chief, he was given special recognition on Thursday, Dec. 20, when officers lined up at Department Headquarters to acknowledge and show appreciation for his many years of dedicated service.
Lt. Greg Cugliari welcomed the crowd and provided a history of Chief McInerney’s career. All enjoyed a smile as Lt. Cugliari guided them down memory lane, allowing the crowd to reminiscence about McInerney’s many acknowledgements over his 34-year span with the Franklin Borough Police Department, culminating with the official appointment to Chief of Police in January 2012.
Cuglairi shared Chief McInerney’s nickname known throughout the Borough, “Mean Gene, the Ticket Writing Machine!” as if it were the inside joke… that everyone knew. Chief McInerney began his walk, all were clapping and cheering.
“I have very big shoes to fill," Cugliari said after the ceremony. "I am happy for him but sad to see him go.”
Bagpipes played while McInerney made his way through the line and then received a commemorative box. He sat in the Police Department SUV as the last Radio Call was given. Immediately following the Radio Call, congratulatory handshakes and hugs were in abundance with all present, even as the rain changed to a steady downpour.