First Woman in 229 Year History Appointed as Superintendent of Norfolk County Jail

Thanks to the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.

WEYMOUTH, MA – Sheriff Patrick McDermott announced on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 that he has named Danielle Frane to serve as the new Superintendent of the Norfolk County Jail, replacing retiring former Superintendent Michael Harris. Superintendent Frane will be the first woman to serve as Superintendent in the 229 year history of the office. She is charged with running the day-to-day operations of the House of Correction, located in Dedham.

“Superintendent Frane has an unyielding determination to achieve excellence and create opportunity,” said Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott. “She is the kind of effective leader who will work diligently to continue innovating and ensuring that the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office remains a leader in the state and nation.”

“I am grateful to Sheriff McDermott for this opportunity,” said Superintendent Frane. “His support from day one and the confidence he has in me have prepared me to serve in this role. I look forward to continuing to serve the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office as Superintendent.”

Superintendent Frane has worked for the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office for twenty five years, beginning as a corrections officer before working on the electronic incarceration program. In 2007, she was promoted to Director of Classifications and named Assistant Deputy Superintendent of Classifications and Programs in 2019. When Sheriff Patrick McDermott took office in 2021, he named her Assistant Superintendent of Jail Operations.

In addition to her experience with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, Superintendent Frane has pursued and received numerous certifications, including as a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Auditor, Certified Jail Manager, Certified Correctional Executive, and Certified Correctional Health Care Professional. She has completed the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy leadership training series and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Superintendent Frane’s promotion was announced in a ceremony at the Dedham facility on Wednesday morning where she received her Superintendent pins from her father, retired Assistant Deputy Superintendent Robert Boomhower.