Grant offers new equipment for grain bin rescues in Lawrence County
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) – A new life-saving tool was awarded to first responders in Lawrence County, where the potential danger of grain bins is a growing concern.
Authorities are amping up efforts on grain bin training and equipment following the tragic death of a 5-year-old boy in 2018.
“It’s a terrible thing to happen and that you never think will happen to you,” mother Carla Corum explained.
‘Within seconds you can be buried’: Grain bin rescue gear proves worth
The story of Corum’s 5-year-old son, Hudson, is one first responders carry close to their hearts in Lawrence County.
“They were in a grain bin cleaning out corn; he got too close to the auger and was caught up and pretty soon died,” Corum explained.
Lawrence County Fire and Rescue Director Tyler McDow was on scene that day.
“Hudson’s story definitely touched the heart of the community,” McDow told News 2.
WATCH: Grant offers new equipment for Lawrence County grain bin rescues
It’s one of several stories McDow shared in applying for a grant in which the volunteer department was awarded a “Great Wall of Rescue Adaptable Grain Bin Rescue System.”
“In the larger bins and the scenarios we have, the great wall is a must have to be able to secure the patient and evacuate the grain to have a successful rescue.” said McDow.
It’s the tool first responders used in November to rescue an Ethridge farmer found 90% entrapped near the middle of a corn bin.
“The fire stations, we plan for what could happen, not what happens everyday,” McDow said.
Crews rescue elderly man from grain bin on Lawrence County farm
He added the potential dangers are a concern, with agriculture reigning as the biggest economic driver for the county.
“Since Hudson’s incident, the size of grain bins has doubled, and then the amount of them has probably doubled in our area and a lot of people probably think of it as seasonal business, but throughout the year, they are moving grain in those bins constantly,” McDow explained.
Following Hudson’s tragedy, the Ethridge Fire Department invested training and efforts into a grain bin rescue trailer that houses specialized equipment; on the back you, will see it’s dedicated in Hudson’s memory.
“We sure want his legacy to live on and save some lives doing so,” stated McDow.
You will find stickers dubbed “Hudson’s Heart” on cars and silos throughout the county, with hopes another family doesn’t feel the same grief as Hudson’s.
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“We carry a deep devotion to them forever, for the care and love and continued support that they give us and this safety issue,” said Corum.
The new equipment is set to arrive at the end of May. McDow said a Great Wall of Rescue can cost up to $10,000.
The all volunteer fire department is hoping donations will help fund a second grain bin rescue trailer for the county.
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