Lemont Fire District Celebrates 125 Years of Service

The 125th anniversary celebration culminated with the department's annual open house Saturday afternoon.

Hundreds of families, firefighters and special guests turned out for the event, which was held at Fire Station No. 1, 15900 New Ave.

Sponsors included the , Pro Logis and Seneca Petroleum. Food was provided by Lemont Fire Commissioner Paul Heatherington, owner of Ats-a-Nice Pizza in Romeoville.

Professional cyclist Christian Vande Velde, whose team at the Tour de France this summer, signed autographs during the event. U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-13) and Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves were also in attendance.

During the open house, the department paid tribute to Rev. Glenn Bergmark, a longtime fire district trustee.

The Lemont Fire Department was incorporated on March 14, 1886, following the completion of the town's water main system. The department consisted of two companies of 11 men each. They operated out of two houses until 1956, when the department moved to 416 Main St.

By 1973, the Lemont Fire Protection District had grown to employ 52 active members and cover 33 square miles in Will, DuPage and Cook counties. In 1976, Fire Station 1 was constructed on New Avenue to accommodate the growth.

Today, the district covers an area of approximately 40 square miles, serving the Village of Lemont and portions of Woodridge, Darien, Bolingbrook and Homer Glen.