WNEP-TV visits welding lab for boat repairs
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
photos by Tom Speicher, writer/video producer
With the Montgomery Area Emergency Management Agency’s boat situated behind him, student Owen Lapetina details for WNEP-TV reporter Mackenzie Aucker how he’s contributed to its repairs. When students complete the project, the boat will have a new aluminum floor.
WNEP-TV reporter Mackenzie Aucker spent Monday morning in the Penn College welding lab with students who are refurbishing a rescue boat and trailer for the all-volunteer Montgomery Emergency Management Agency.
Under the direction of Michael R. Allen, instructor and co-department head of welding, about 30 students in four sections of the Welding Blueprint & Layout II class are working on the aluminum rescue boat that has been used by the borough for over 40 years. The students are in the process of installing a new aluminum floor for the boat and making other needed repairs. Allen expects the students to complete the project within the next couple of weeks.
Aucker interviewed Allen and welding students Paul S. Sanders, of Greencastle, and Owen Lapetina, of Collegeville. She also spoke with two representatives of Montgomery EMA, both of whom are Penn College alumni: Greg Gruver, class of 1997 (forestry), and Michael Gruver, class of 1994 (broadcast communications).
Her story can be viewed on the ABC affiliate's website.
Aucker interviews Greg Gruver. As coordinator of Montgomery EMA, he has spent countless hours on the boat.