Ambulance donation benefits emergency management major

A used ambulance is gaining new life in the hands of emergency management & homeland security students at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Donated by Fike Services LLC and Speclin Emergency Vehicle Sales & Service Inc., the ambulance has been revived as a Mobile Command Post for the training of Penn College emergency management students.

“Fike Services and Speclin Emergency Vehicles are delighted to offer students the chance to engage in on-site training and simulation exercises that prepare them for their future careers,” said Logan Fike, president of Fike Services, based in Watsontown.

Fike witnessed the donated ambulance in use at the inaugural Wildcat Rotorfest, hosted by the emergency management & homeland security major in early April on the Penn College campus. The major also put its new Mobile Command Post into action in early May for its first on-campus Mass Casualty Incident Full-Scale Exercise.

“I was privileged to attend the first annual Wildcat Rotorfest, where I interacted with the faculty and students to gain a deeper understanding of the emergency management & homeland security major,” Fike explained. “This program is exceptional, and it is poised for continuous growth. It is not just preparing students for a career in public service; it is also equipping them with the skills to make a significant impact in emergency incidents at all levels nationwide.”

The idea for the ambulance donation arose during a conversation Fike had with Barb Di Marco, assistant dean of arts and sciences at Penn College. With the assistance of his father, Ron, salesman for Speclin’s Northeast Office in Turbotville, Fike acquired a used ambulance on a trade, then donated it to the college, where collision repair and automotive restoration students, under the direction of instructor Roy H. Klinger, prepared it for commercial wrapping.

Emergency management students intend to customize the interior to meet their needs as they obtain additional donations from alumni and industry partners.

“We appreciate the donation of the ambulance from Fike Services LLC and Speclin Emergency Vehicle Sales & Service,” Di Marco said. “The donated ambulance will be integrated into our classes to provide practical training opportunities for our students. It will serve as a hands-on learning platform where students can gain real-world experience in emergency response and incident management. Through simulated scenarios and exercises, students will have the chance to practice communication and coordination skills within the Mobile Command Post. This integration will enhance their understanding of emergency management principles and prepare them to be effective leaders in the field.”

Aiming to service first responders, Logan and Ron Fike established Fike Services during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the supply of new ambulances, response vehicles and other emergency apparatuses was rapidly dwindling due to supply chain issues.

“Consequently, we decided to focus on providing better service to the existing emergency vehicles to ensure their sustainability and proper functioning,” Logan Fike explained.

An ambulance dealer that offers emergency vehicles, ambulances, vans and rescue trucks for emergency medical services and fire departments, Speclin also provides custom-mobility and handicap-accessible vans and wheelchair lifts for individuals and organizations.

Penn College offers a Bachelor of Science degree in emergency management & homeland security – with on campus and online options.

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.