You see us around campus, you receive our Drexel Alerts, and you talk to our dispatchers when you call for help or guidance. To help you get to know us even better, Drexel’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) launched the Public Safety & U feature in DrexelNow. We hope these monthly updates will keep you informed, involved and safe within the Drexel University community.

Getting to Know Fire and Emergency Services

Drexel’s Fire and Emergency Services unit works hard to ensure compliance with the Philadelphia Fire Code and national fire safety standards, and to encourage and promote incident prevention. They perform building inspections, fire safety education and fire drills, emergency preparedness and evacuation procedures. They also evaluate occupancy and hazards, manage certain types of construction work and interact regularly with the University community to ensure overall safety on Drexel’s campuses.

Fire and Emergency Services team members have many years of experience in emergency response and are eager to provide information and share best practices with the community. You will see representatives on-site during fire alarms and medical calls, providing a crucial link between Drexel Police, Public Safety and the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD).

Fire and Emergency Services also supports emergency preparedness, organizing drills with community partners to prepare for natural disasters and other potential large-scale incidents. They work with Drexel departments and schools to develop continuity plans to ensure a quick return to normal operations after a disruption of regular services. Not every emergency is preventable, but better preparation will reduce the impact.

Meet the Director

Dave Hollinger has enjoyed spending the last five years of his professional life as the director for fire and emergency services. Originally from Reading, Pennsylvania, he spent three decades in the Washington, D.C., area, first with the Alexandria, Virginia, Fire Department and then 26 years with Washington’s Fire and EMS Department.   

When not working, Dave values time with his wife of 14 years, Brigid, and their two canine "kids" — Doyle and Sullivan. They enjoy traveling and exploring the city of Philadelphia. Dave plays the bagpipes for the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes & Drums, and he can be heard around campus with his colleague, John Ginty from Drexel IT. An avid armchair athlete, Dave has also recently rediscovered golf with his Drexel and PFD friends and hopes to someday break 100 strokes per round regularly. 

Community Commitments

2018 Trunk or Treat with Drexel Police

Drexel Police Officers participated in a Halloween Trunk or Treat in the Powelton Village neighborhood, filling their car trunks with treats for children in the community. This is the second annual Trunk or Treat for Drexel Police.

Special Olympics Torch Run Zips through Campus

Drexel Public Safety (white shirts) participated in the University City portion of the Unified Fall Festival Torch Run on Nov. 2. This annual event weaves its way throughout nearly 13 miles of the city. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics PA. This is Public Safety’s third year participating in the run.

Drexel Public Safety is always happy to participate in community events, whether it’s a charity tournament, race, parade, fraternity or sorority event — you name it. Looking for an extra team to join your fundraiser or activity? Please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu to see if DPS can participate.

Upcoming Events

2018 Military Care Package Drive

Dec. 7, 10 a.m.—12 p.m.

Drexel Recreation Center Lobby

Hosted by the Office of Veteran Student Services and Drexel Public Safety, this event is open to all members of the University community. Lend a hand packing boxes, dropping off donated supplies, and writing thank you notes to deployed men and women.

Safety Tip Trio: Halt Holiday Hazards

Fire Safety

Avoid placing holiday decorations in potentially dangerous locations, like near equipment that produces heat.

As you prepare your holiday feasts, remember to be safe: never use water on a grease fire, and before using your oven, make sure it is clear of debris, crumbs and grease.

Online Purchases

Package thefts increase during the holiday season. Do not leave packages outside for long periods of time. Arrange for alternative delivery options or make sure someone is present to receive the delivery.

Person-to-Person Transactions

Person-to-person transactions from sites such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can sometimes present dangers. The front lobby of the Drexel University Police Station (3219 Arch Street), which is under 24-hour video surveillance, is a “Safe Online Transaction Zone,” available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, for members of the Drexel community and residents of Powelton Village to complete person-to-person transactions. Electricity is provided for buyers to test electronics before completing the transaction. Transactions involving weapons, drugs or drug paraphernalia are not allowed in this space.

Members of the Drexel University Police Department will not participate in transactions or act as witnesses, nor are they available for legal advice or allowed to settle disputes between parties involved in transactions that occur in our facilities.

Please direct any questions to Community Relations Officer Thomas Cirone at 215.895.0209.

Emergency Numbers

University City Campus
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141

Center City Campus
911 or 215.762.7111

Queen Lane Campus
911 or 215.895.2222

Academy of Natural Sciences
911 or 215.299.1019

All other Drexel locations
Dial 911

Escorts and non-emergencies
215.895.2822

To learn more about Drexel Public Safety visit drexel.edu/publicsafety.