EFFINGHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT -

Frequently Asked Questions

Solicitations

Question:  Does the Effingham Fire Department solicit for donations or contract with or hire someone to represent the Effingham Fire Department for the purpose of solicitation of donations?
Answer:    NO.  The Effingham Fire Department does NOT use any fund-raising service, telemarketing firm or mass mailing service to solicit donations but we do continue to accept unsolicited donations.  The Fire Department occasionally seeks support for targeted projects from service organizations and corporate sponsors.  These have included a digital camera for the Hazardous Materials Team, used vehicles for rescue training purposes and a Collapse House for our Regional Training Center.

Question:  The Effingham Firefighters Association or the Effingham Firefighters Union Local 3084 has solicited me for donations.  Do those funds directly benefit the Effingham Fire Department? 
Answer:  NO.   Both of these legitimate organizations have solicited funds in the past by contracting with a telemarketing firm for the purpose to raise money for food baskets for the needy in Effingham.  While it is your decision to help these efforts, the Effingham Fire Department does not directly benefit from your donation nor does the City of Effingham Fire Department endorse the solicitation.

Question:  What do I do when I get a phone call from a telemarketer representing the Effingham Fire Department? 
Answer:  This is certainly a “red flag” indicating that the solicitation is probably not legitimate as the solicitor is not sanctioned to identify themselves as a member of the Effingham Fire Department. 

Question:   What are some indications that the solicitation may not be legitimate?
Answer:  If any solicitor offers to come to your house to pick up your cash donation should be a “red flag” that it is not a legitimate solicitation.  Many scam artists avoid the Federal Mail Fraud laws by sending a courier.  If the US Postal Service was used to perpetrate a fraud, it is automatically a Federal Crime that bears higher penalties.

Question:  What do I do if I am uncomfortable with a solicitation?
Answer:  The State’s Attorney Office investigates telemarketing fraud.  If you feel you have become a victim of fraud, contact the Illinois Attorney General.  Many scam artists use a false representation such as a fire or police benevolent organization.  There have been many successful prosecutions of these scams.  You also have the option to just hang up, say “no thanks,” don’t mail the donation, or you may call us if you are not sure about the donation request. 

For more information, or if you would like to become a donor for a special project – please contact: 
Chief Joseph C. Holomy
Effingham Fire Department
505 W. Fayette Ave.
Effingham, IL.  62401
217-342-2555

Our Donation Wish List:  LED Message Board, Training Tables, Picnic Tables/Benches for Regional Training Center and Used Vehicles for Extrication/Rescue Training