Scrap Vehicle Donation Program
The Lemont Fire Protection District responds to hundreds of emergencies each year that involve extricating drivers and passengers from vehicles after a collision. Often there are serious injuries and before a victim can be removed, fire fighters must use specialized tools and techniques to remove parts of the vehicle from around the accident victim.
Auto extrication has, over the past few decades, become a very specialized field. With an increased use of lightweight vehicle components, airbags, computer controlled security and alternate fuel/hybrid systems; it has become even more important that fire fighters stay aware of changes in both vehicle designs and in extrication techniques.
As part of Lemont Fire District’s training program, fire fighters take part in ongoing practice sessions on scrap vehicles usually donated or obtained from a recycler. In order to offset the high costs of towing, Lemont Fire District has implemented a program that facilitates the donation of scrap vehicles directly to the Fire Service for training purposes in exchange for a tax receipt.
Anyone wishing to donate a vehicle can do so by calling (630) 257-2376 If the vehicle is operable, and you live in an urban/suburban area, it can be driven directly to one of our four fire stations.
We will arrange for a towing company to pick up vehicles that cannot be driven.
FAQ
Q. What is the program about?
A. As an owner of a vehicle, you can donate your vehicle to the Lemont Fire District for auto extrication training and you will receive a tax donation receipt.
Q. How do I donate my vehicle?
A. Call (6... for instructions. You can either drive your vehicle to an approved drop off site or we can pick it up free of charge. You must be present to sign over your ownership to the tow truck operator or Lemont Fire District’s representative.
Q. What happens to the vehicle?
A. Your vehicle will become the property of Lemont Fire District and will be destroyed during auto extrication training. Following the training the destroyed vehicle will be disposed of at a vehicle recycling facility.
Q. Can I donate my vehicle even if I don't have an ownership?
A. No, unfortunately we cannot receive any vehicles unless it is accompanied by a valid and signed title.
We need your old building!
The Lemont Fire Protection District is asking property owners who may have a structure that is abandoned and/or ready to be demolished to allow firefighters to conduct training in it.
There are three types of training:
- Non-destructive (used for search and rescue training)
- Destructive (used for advanced rescue training)
- Burn (used for fire suppression training - burning the structure to the ground)
We need abandoned/vacant buildings for these different types of training. If a property owner has a vacant structure that he would like to donate for use by the fire department, but doesn't want the building destroyed, he can request it be used for non-destructive training.
If a property owner has a vacant structure that is scheduled for demolition, the fire department would be grateful to use it for destructive or burn training.
The best structures for firefighter training are ones that are not good for the owners - having low appeal for potential tenants.
Buildings that are most sought after are: (abandoned/vacant)
- Single family residences
- Multi-family residences
- Apartment buildings
- Schools
- Strip shopping centers
- Large "Big Box" facilities (commercial-type buildings)
Some of the criteria for the properties include having had a completed asbestos survey and proof of NO insurance. More information is available by contacting our Training Officer Jay Nickleski at (630)257-2376 extension 235
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