For Ben Bradley, a grain entrapment rescue is about speed, equipment and safety.

Large and small grain bins dot the landscape surrounding the northern Missouri town of Novelty. "If someone were to become trapped in grain, several of our fire department members are trained for grain entrapment rescue," says Bradley, a Novelty Plevna Rural Fire Department volunteer. "Time is of the essence in a grain entrapment situation, and our department will now have the proper rescue harness set readily available."

The Novelty Plevna Rural Fire Department recently received a $5,582 grant from the FCS Financial Rural Community and Agriculture Foundation to purchase a rescue bin harness set. The foundation represents the cooperative's long-term commitment to a thriving and prosperous agricultural industry and Missouri's rural communities. The foundation focuses on targeted, long-term investments.

Investing in safety
The fire department previously purchased the rescue tube and training through donations of local farmers. "This grant allows us to purchase harnesses, slings, ropes, descenders and carabiners for our grain bin rescue bin tube," says Bradley.

As harvesttime nears in Missouri, the grain bin rescue system ensures the safety of the department's volunteers if a rescue operation is needed. Additionally, the areas served by the department have an added sense of safety for their rural communities.

Supporting local needs
With National Farm Safety and Health Week coming Sept. 17-23, David Janish, FCS Financial CEO, says now is a good time for producers to think about grain bin safety. "It takes only five seconds to become trapped," Janish says. "FCS Financial is committed to supporting our rural communities, and safety is one of our top priorities. We hope the grain bin rescue system is never needed; however, we are proud to be able to provide the funds so the Novelty Plevna Fire Department is now prepared for a rescue."

Additional information and an application are available at FCS Financial under the "How We're Different" tab, or by emailing [email protected].

Source: FCS Financial