Bridgewater College welcomes new chief of police

Bridgewater College has decided to name Milton Franklin the chief of police and director of Campus Safety and Emergency Management, starting Oct. 3.

“We have selected a great next leader of our campus police department,” Dr. Leslie Frere, Bridgewater College vice president of student life and dean of students, said. “Chief Franklin’s blend of sincere care and compassion for our community along with his experience and skill in emergency situations makes him the ideal selection for our next chief of police.”

Franklin brings with him considerable experience in higher education law enforcement, including serving as the police administrative lieutenant, emergency management coordinator and accreditation manager for the J. Sargent Reynolds Community College Police Department.

“I have dedicated my career to protecting college campuses,” Franklin said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead and work with the dedicated members of the Bridgewater College community in protecting and serving Bridgewater.”

Franklin previously served as a law enforcement officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech. He also attended Virginia Tech, earning his bachelor's, and the University of Virginia, where he earned a graduate certificate in criminal justice.