Jessica Franckiewicz
LAPEER — Jessica Franckiewicz originally intended to attend veterinary school, but an internship with Lapeer County Animal Control a couple years ago made an impact on her, and now she’s come on board as the newest animal control officer at Animal Control.
Franckiewicz, 23, grew up in Macomb County and was completing her bachelor’s degree in animal science and agribusiness management at Michigan State University when she decided to do an internship with Animal Control, where she would get experience with a variety of animals, from domestic to livestock to wild animals.
“I really fell in love with the career,” she said.
After graduation last year, she spent a few months working with Animal Control in Eastpointe. When she saw the job opening in Lapeer, she decided to apply, and came on board in July.
“They were always very welcoming and educational,” she said of the Lapeer County Animal Control staff, when asked why she wanted to work here.
So far, she’s loving the job.
“Every day is not the same and that’s one of the things I love about being an animal control officer,” she said. “I think my favorite thing would be having the opportunity to step away from the desk and learning the personalities of the animals and networking them.”
It’s rewarding, she said, to have the chance to help animals in need and educate the public. Although some may see it that way, Animal Control is not out to be the bad guy.
“We are here to assist and educate and help,” she said. “We just want what’s best for the animals and the county. This was kind of like a detour in my original plan (vet school), but I definitely could see doing this longterm. I’m here to invest my time and knowledge into the position and the community.”