Redlands police union urges city to resolve fallen officer’s injury claims

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Police Officers Association is urging residents to contact city leaders and request action on two unresolved workers’ compensation claims filed by Officer Seth Franklin before his death earlier this month.

Franklin, 39, died April 6 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife and two young sons. At the time of his death, his family was left without income as the city of Redlands had not approved his pending injury claims.

During public comment at the April 15 City Council meeting and again in a video message posted on social media, Redlands Police Officers Association President Jeff Frisch asked the city to take action.

“We’re not here today to point fingers, place blame, or cast judgment,” Frisch said. “But to simply ask that we reevaluate our systems, processes, and the way we treat our employees.”

Franklin was first diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma in 2022. He filed a workers’ compensation claim that was denied by the city and is currently under appeal. After a temporary recovery, a June 2024 PET scan revealed two tumors on his spine and one on his hip. He filed a second cancer-related claim later that year. An MRI also revealed three bulging discs in his spine, prompting a third claim for a back injury in 2024.

Under California Labor Code section 3212.1, cancer developed by police officers and firefighters during their service is presumed to be work-related if they can demonstrate exposure to a known carcinogen during the course of their duties.

“This finding would provide a small amount of income and insurance benefits for his wife and two sons, ages 4 and 2, in the event of his death,” Frisch said. “Now that Seth has passed away, his wife and boys are left with no income and no health insurance.”

Frisch also acknowledged city parks employees, firefighters, and fellow officers who honored Franklin at his memorial service and stood with his family through his final months. He urged city leadership to consider improvements to the workers’ compensation system.

In a statement to Community Forward Redlands, city spokesperson Carl Baker said the city is aware of the concern and is reviewing its options.

“As a city, we share in the grief over Officer Seth Franklin’s untimely death,” Baker said. “We mourn the loss of an outstanding employee, co-worker, friend and member of our community and express our deepest condolences to Seth’s family.”

Baker noted that the city is bound by legal and privacy restrictions in workers' compensation cases but added, “The city is exploring any and all options that would legally allow us to provide benefits and/or support the Franklin family.”

The police union has shared a downloadable form via social media to help residents email the City Council and ask that staff move to resolve Franklin’s claims.

A “Fund A Hero” campaign through the Peace Officers Research Association of California has raised more than $40,800 as of April 25 to help cover funeral and medical expenses and support the Franklin family. Donations can be made here: Fund A Hero campaign

Donations can also be made at a GoFundMe created to support Franklin's widow and two children: GoFundMe: Love for the Franklin Family