Livonia VFD hosts grain bin rescue training with 10 local departments

Nathaniel Smith | Editor-in-Chief
10 minutes ago
2 min read

Photos submitted by Darren Byler.

Monday evening, August 17, Livonia Volunteer Fire Rescue INC hosted a multi-department grain bin rescue training led by Kokomo Grain Expert Butch Hendrix. Hendrix taught the hazards of AG-related incidents and how to properly remove patients from grain bin situations. Darren Byler, who helped to organize the training, stated, “it is invaluable for first responders to be able to put hands on rescue tools that we don't see everyday.”

“Monday evening was absolutely a huge success,” said Byler. “We ended up having about 10 fire departments there, and right at 40 personnel that attended… It was a really good turnout, which is enthusing to me because it tells me that there is a desire for this kind of training.”

Byler said they do a monthly training already, but the goal is to do a large-scale training exercise like this every quarter (every three months).

“We had quite a few people reach out to us at that training, asking for us to let them know when we do another training because they want to be involved. I think that's a very positive sign that people are looking to get better and to keep honing their craft,” Byler said.

“John Gott of Air Evac Lifeteam 17 provided pizza for the crowd, which was very much appreciated,” he continued. “Air Methods Corydon brought their aircraft out and gave a short talk on patient care in these types of emergencies. We appreciate the working relationships we have with our Air Medical partners."

Byler added, “Thanks to C.J. Fleenor for the opportunity to train at their facility. It's so much better to be at the facility than in a classroom setting. Thanks to Koehn Farms for letting us train in their grain trailer. It provided a great working and viewing area.

“Thanks to Brenden O'Neill for doing the photography for us. He captured many moments throughout the evening! Also, thanks to the many personnel who came and those who showed up, because ultimately, that's what makes the difference in the lives of those we serve every day. It doesn't matter the name on the door, color of apparatus or rank of responder. What matters is showing up.”