Have you ever noticed a black Dodge Charger around the school parking lots? The LF on the door leaves no doubt that it belongs to the school, but you may have found yourself wondering: why does a high school need a 300-horsepower muscle car?
The car was a gift from the Waukegan-based Classic Toyota dealership last year: a generous donation with the purpose of supporting the school’s security department. Specifically, the donation was made by Fred Marks, an LFHS alumnus and parent of three LFHS graduates.
Department Assistant of Security, John “JT” Teichman, recalls that he had come to Marks, explaining that the school was in need of a vehicle, wondering if Classic Toyota may be able to provide one. Marks was happy to oblige.
Teichman coached Marks in eighth grade for baseball and football, and they’ve maintained a close bond over the years. Initially, Teichman was concerned that the security department did not have the budget to buy the Charger. Marks answered that it was a gift: he wanted to give back to the school that he and his children attended.
In the past, the dealership has also donated a Toyota Highlander and a Toyota Sienna to the school. Though not a Toyota car, the Dodge Charger was acquired in a trade-in. When Marks saw the favorable condition of the car, he knew it was right for the job.
Security uses the Charger daily, mostly to monitor parking lots. The car allows them to efficiently maintain order and ensure that staff and students are the only ones using their allotted parking spaces.
The Charger is especially useful during the winter or during other nasty weather. It provides a way for security officers to do their work outside without having to be exposed to the elements for long periods of time.
More often than rowdy students, security finds themselves dealing with parents trying to drop off students in the wrong areas.
“You can’t drop off in the back because the buses drop off in the back. It’s a safety and security issue,” said Assistant Director of Safety and Security Rick Anderson.
While Anderson admits that LFHS’ campus is not large enough to need a car all the time, it can be very useful when a suspicious person is seen around the building.
“[If] they’re on a bicycle, we can catch up to them… talk to them… If they’re suspicious or unwanted, or maybe they’re just going to the wrong door, we can help them out and tell them to come to the front door.”
By being a muscle car , the Charger can deter suspicious individuals, Anderson believes.
“I would rather have to be friendly, but you know what? It [has] tinted windows. It’s dark. It’s black,” said Anderson.
Beyond parking lots, the Charger is also useful for running errands.
“Every once in a while, we may have to run into town to pick something up or go to the hardware store,” says Anderson.
The Charger has also been used to escort students who have recently moved and might not live in the area yet.
“We had to drive a student home a couple times [who] didn’t live in the area; [he] just moved and missed his ride home,” said Teichman. “So, we have had to take students home before, pick them up, or get them to school…It’s rare, but it happens once in a while.”
The Security Department views the Charger as a valuable asset to keep the school safe and secure, and they are very grateful for Classic Toyota’s continued support.
