As many of you look forward to traveling soon (perhaps for the very first time since the pandemic began!), this issue of Public Safety & U offers some helpful safety tips, no matter how or where you’re going this summer. Plus: Vice President for Public Safety and Drexel University Police Department Chief Eileen Behr pledges to work hand-in-hand with the University community to re-envision campus public safety, and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) wishes the Drexel University Emergency Medical Services graduating class of 2021 all the best on their next endeavors.
A Note From Chief Behr to the Drexel Community
Last week, as Drexel University published the final report from 21CP Solutions’ independent review of the Drexel University Police Department (DUPD), Vice President for Public Safety and DUPD Chief Eileen Behr shared a note to the Drexel community in which she acknowledged her “responsibility and accountability to our community: a responsibility to learn from the past and the 21CP Solutions report, to recognize the present conflicts and issues, and commit to working with our community against mistrust and injustice as we begin to re-envision public safety for Drexel.” The Department of Public Safety encourages you to read the full note, which is published on their website.
Thank You to the Drexel EMS Seniors!
Drexel University Emergency Medical Services (Drexel EMS) is a volunteer student organization that provides emergency medical services to Drexel University’s University City Campus, as well as the immediate community, with a focus on professionalism and high-quality, patient-centered care.
Thank you, EMS seniors, for your hard work and dedication to the community, and big congratulations to the class of 2021!
The Department of Public Safety would like to highlight accomplishments and anecdotes from all seven members of the class of 2021 and of the Drexel University Emergency Medical Services:
- Brielle Reich: Brielle graduated in March 2021 with a degree in health sciences. She plans to attend the physician assistant program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Brielle has been with Drexel EMS since spring of 2019, and her favorite memory is eating DP Dough at midnight in Drexel Park while on shift.
- Dante Terracciano: Dante graduated in March 2021 with a degree in biology. He plans to attend Cooper Medical School. Dante has been with Drexel EMS since the fall of 2018 and has previously served as the events coordinator and His favorite memory is driving around campus and hanging out at Drexel Park on night shifts.
- Hena Shah: Hena graduates in June 2021 with a degree in health sciences. She plans to attend physician assistant school after graduation. Hena has been with Drexel EMS since spring of 2019, and her favorite memory is driving around in the EMS car while on shift between calls and enjoying time with the crew.
- Jessica Frey: Jessica graduates in June 2021 with a degree in health sciences. She plans to further her education with a master’s degree from Drexel’s physician assistant program. Jessica has been with Drexel EMS since fall of 2018 and has previously served as the recruitment coordinator. Her favorite memory is attending the 2019 NCEMSF conference in Pittsburgh.
- Saranya Madan: Saranya graduates in June 2021 with a degree in psychology, a minor in neuroscience, and a graduate of the honors program. She plans to attend medical school after graduation. Saranya has been with Drexel EMS since fall of 2017 and has previously served as the Public Relations Officer. Her favorite memory is attending her first NCEMSF conference while bonding with the squad and attending educational seminars.
- Victoria Dennison: Victoria graduates in June 2021 with a bachelor of science degree in health sciences and master of health sciences degree. She plans to continue her education with Drexel’s physician assistant program. Victoria has been with Drexel EMS since fall of 2017 and has previously served as the training lieutenant and recruitment coordinator. Her favorite memories are when DUEMS moved headquarters to North Hall, countless family dinners, and the family atmosphere created by the members.
- Vincent Rockwell James: Vincent graduated in March 2021 with a degree in health sciences and a minor in exercise physiology. He plans to attend physician assistant school and work as a pharmaceutical representative. Vincent has been with Drexel EMS since fall of 2019, and his favorite memory is laughing and having a good time with the crew while on a night shift.
Tips for Safe (and Fun) Summer Travels
With the world slowly returning to normal, and some students leaving campus in the coming weeks, you may be making plans to travel, visit family and friends, or reacquaint yourselves with fun activities nearby. Whether it is by plane, train or automobile, Drexel Public Safety encourages you to practice common sense and take the following precautions on your journey. Remember that each state has different COVID-19 guidelines, so be sure to be aware of the processes and mandates that may still be in place before you travel. For those of you who will be remaining on campus or planning a day trip to visit, Drexel’s updated guidelines can be found on Drexel’s Response to Coronavirus website.
Airport Safety
- Walk with confidence, keep your head up, and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Never leave your luggage unattended.
- See something, say something: Immediately report any suspicious activity, including abandoned bags, to airport security.
- Only use taxis and transportation services with official markings.
Driving Safety
- Plan your route in advance.
- Prior to your trip, have your car serviced, including your tires.
- Always lock your parked car and keep valuables out of sight. If you are parking your vehicle on the street for several days overnight, be sure to check on it regularly.*
- Keep a safety kit in your car that includes a flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
General Safety
- Carry a minimum amount of cash.
- Store your travel tickets and identification in a secure location or an internal pocket.
- If traveling alone, tell a family member or friend your departure and return dates and flight numbers.
- Try to familiarize yourself with safety services surrounding your given location.
- And of course, enjoy your trip!
* Please be aware that the entire Philadelphia area has seen an increase of motorcycle thefts and catalytic converter thefts from parked vehicles. You may want to check on your vehicle regularly, even if you are not driving it much or have it stored in long-term parking.
Community Commitments
What Dragons Are Saying About “Your Safety Is Our Goal“
Public Safety is offering virtual, interactive, monthly presentations on situational preparedness, called “Your Safety Is Our Goal,” that educate students, faculty and staff about measures they can take to prevent themselves from being victims of a crime. The sessions provide tips to encourage the University community not to be scared, but to be prepared.
“I recently attended Drexel Public Safety’s ‘Your Safety is our Goal’ presentation and found it fun, informative and educational,” said Susan, a Drexel professional staff member. “I really enjoyed the interactive format, and the information presented was concise and helpful. Besides the new information I picked up during the session, there were some great reminders of safety tips that you sort of forget from not using them during quarantine. I recommend it for everyone returning to campus.”
The next session will be held June 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. These presentations are open to the entire Drexel community and offered monthly. To RSVP and receive the Zoom link, please fill out this Qualtrics form, or contact Officer Cirone at tjc94@drexel.edu or Officer McClay at kam556@drexel.edu.
We’re Here for You When You Need Us
Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Our Communications Center is staffed 24/7 to serve you, whether or not you choose to remain anonymous when making a report. It is vital that crimes are reported promptly to Drexel Police so that they can be investigated, and so that Public Safety can connect the victim(s) with proper resources.
Emergency Numbers
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141
Walking Escorts
215.895.2222
To learn more about Drexel Public Safety, visit drexel.edu/publicsafety