Sheriff Christopher Donelan is a life-long resident of Orange, Massachusetts.  He attended Orange Public schools and then continued his education at Westfield State where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.

Sheriff Donelan began his career as a police officer.  He spent a total of ten years in uniform working for two communities - Orange and South Hadley.  While working nights, he attended American International College in Springfield and obtained a Master of Public Administration Degree.

He continued his career in public safety with a job working as a probation officer in Orange District Court.  He helped establish the first Drug Court in Western Massachusetts.  He spent four years working in the Trial Court before moving to the Community Corrections Center in Greenfield to take on the position of Probation Officer in Charge.

In 2002, he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives where he went on to serve four terms representing the 2nd Franklin District.  During his time on Beacon Hill, Representative Donelan served on the Public Safety Committee, one session as the Vice Chair.  He also served on the Ways and Means Committee, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee and Higher Education Committee.

Christopher Donelan was elected Sheriff of Franklin County on November 2, 2010 and sworn into office on January 5, 2011 by Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray.