Combat medic eyes future in law enforcement

Alexander Franks, a criminal justice major, is spending his two-week annual training at Fort Pickett, Va., this summer as a combat medic with the PA Army National Guard.

“I saw the opportunity to learn great skills and get paid to go to school,” says Franks. “Medical skills would be very helpful as a police officer in my future.”

He felt Bloomsburg University was the right place for him.

“The first thing I know noticed was the beautiful campus and positive energy,” Franks said. “People from my high school also recommended I go there because of how good their different education programs were.”

He chose a job in the military that would help his future career and if he was ever called upon to deploy.

“I chose to become a combat medic, because I wanted to learn lifesaving skills,” Franks said. “I first became EMT certified in the first part of training. Next, we learned how to treat combat casualties including treating major burns, amputations, gunshot wounds, inhalation burns, and sucking chest wounds.”

He offers advice for other people in the military wanting to go to Bloomsburg.

“The veteran affairs office is always very helpful with any questions regarding school and the military,” Frank said. “It’s a sacrifice, but it’s worth it.”