Greater Pike highlights success of emergency services fund

A specialized fund at Greater Pike Community Foundation is going a long way toward promoting stable, professional emergency medical services throughout Pike County. The Pike County Emergency Services Initiative (PCESI) Fund is currently underwriting EMT classes while also providing funding for critical supplies.

A full complement of 25 students signed up for the county’s fall EMT training course as of mid-August, and the advanced EMT (AEMT) course is similarly fully enrolled, with eight people attending, according to Greater Pike. This is the first time the Pike County Training Center has offered the AEMT class. This certification will allow students to perform more paramedic-type procedures.

“This is the earliest these classes have rostered,” said Timothy Knapp Sr., Pike County’s public safety director. “That’s a good sign that we offer a good, stable program.”

The Pike County Emergency Services Initiative Fund at Greater Pike began its existence in 2019 with an initial private donation of $25,000. This year, significant donations have come from both private individuals and businesses. Earlier this year the firm of Ohliger Injury Law LLC sponsored a golf tournament that raised $12,000 for the fund, while Kinder Morgan — historically one of the fund’s biggest supporters — contributed $25,000 in May.

Other recent contributions came from Foster Hill Wellness, the Arlene Quirk-Shaun Burger team of realtors, Pike County Light and Power, as well as private donations from John Kiesendahl and Greg and Patricia Lutfy.

“The PCESI fund is having an incredible impact on our county. Not only is it helping to boost EMS services, but it is also creating sustainable careers by providing complete scholarships to Pike County students to offset the cost of EMT training,” said Pike County Commissioner Chair Matthew Osterberg. “Anyone interested in a career in emergency services should contact the Pike County Training Center to inquire about upcoming training sessions.”

Training programs that the fund has paid for this year have cost in the range of $7,000 to more than $14,000. These EMT classes have covered advanced skills such as emergency care and transportation of the sick and injured, plus winch awareness and operation.

Because the county is not mandated to provide EMS services, each municipality must establish its own EMS team.

“Greater Pike is committed to supporting and enhancing critical medical services in our area, and we are incredibly pleased to see the impact this fund is having on our county’s emergency preparedness and response,” said Rick Little, Greater Pike’s executive director.

Greater Pike offers individuals, families, and local businesses an opportunity to provide a permanent and personal way to give back to the community. For more information about opening a fund or contributing to an existing fund, contact Little at 570-832-4686 or ricklittle@greaterpike.org, or visit greaterpike.org.