John Franklin Sr. became a member of the Highlands Fire Department in January of 1962. John served the Fire Department and the Borough of Highlands for 20 years. John served as Chief of the Department in 1973 and 1981; he was also a captain of the Highlands First Aid Squad.

On January 28‚ 1982 at approximately 10:40 pm the Highlands Fire Department was dispatched to a fire alarm at 125 Portland Rd. John responded to the call. Upon arrival at the firehouse John proceeded to drive the ladder truck to the scene of the call. The Fire Department remained on scene for approximately 20 minutes; the investigation determined the call to be a false alarm. Following the return of equipment to the firehouse‚ John returned home. At approximately 12:00 midnight John retired to his bedroom. Around 6:30 the following morning‚ John was found unresponsive lying in his bed. He passed away during the night from a heart attack.

John was survived by his wife‚ Mary‚ and six children‚ John Jr.‚ Daniel‚ Robert‚ Theresa‚ Patricia and David.