The FREE training programs are provided at no cost to the fire departments, thanks to the contributions and collaborative efforts throughout the collision industry. Nearly 50 late model vehicles, typically 2-3 for each event, are donated by State Farm and Audi of America for the upcoming Fall FREE schedule. Extrication tools and instruction are provided by Holmatro Rescue Equipment with venue, event coordination, food and refreshments hosted by repair facilities.
The demo at Butler’s Collision was the first of 11 first responder events scheduled by 1Collision Network, utilizing two of the seventeen 2016 Audi A3 e-trons donated by Audi of America.
“We’re excited and pleased to partner with the National Auto Body Council, State Farm, Audi of America and all the participating shops to increase the opportunities for first responders to further hone their skills on 2016 Audi vehicles with model year technology, enabling them to save critical seconds and lives,” said Jim Keller, President of 1Collision Network.
Other repairers hosting FREE events this fall include 3D Auto Body & Collision Centers, Weber's Body & Frame, Service King, CARSTAR Metcalf, Gapsch CARSTAR and A&B CARSTAR Smithville.
“NABC’s first responder extrication program is an excellent way for shops to give back to their local communities and to demonstrate the professionalism and integrity of our collision industry,” said Michael Jordan, Chair of NABC’s First Responder Emergency Extrication (FREE) program. “We urge anyone interested in hosting this program to attend any of our upcoming events, join the NABC and contact us to schedule an event in your area.”
For more information about NABC’s FREE program, contact Mike McManus at 414-768-8000, ext 119.
First Responder Emergency Extrication (FREE) Schedule
DATE | HOST FACILITY | LOCATION |
Sept. 13 | Troy Waller Auto Body | Ft. Dodge, IA |
Sept. 14 | Altoona Auto Body; Ankeny Auto Body | Des Moines, IA |
Sept. 14 | Rjones Collision | Des Moines, IA |
Oct. 3 | Tim's Auto Body | Champaign, IL |
Oct. 4 | JR Auto Collision | Arlington Heights, IL |
Oct. 5 | Riverview Body Shop | Aurora, IL |
Oct. 6 | Kallemeyn Collision | Palos Heights, IL |
Oct. 25 | Bonfe's Auto | St. Paul, MN |
Oct. 27 | 3D Auto Body & Collision | Oxford, PA |
Nov. 3 | Collision County Line | Menomonee Falls, WI |
Nov. 15 | CBS Collision Shreveport | Shreveport, LA |
Nov. 16 | CBS Collision Bossier | Bossier, LA |
TBD | Weber's Body & Frame | West Alexandria, OH |
TBD | Service King | Tucker, GA |
TBD | CARSTAR Metcalf | Stillwell, KS |
TBD | Gapsch CARSTAR | St. Louis, MO |
TBD | A&B CARSTAR Smithville | Smithville, MO |