Mendon Fire Department receives grain rescue tube to help prevent grain deaths

The Mendon Fire Department and surrounding communities were presented a grain rescue tube and specialized training to help protect against grain bin entrapments in the area.

The resources are being funded and provided by Mealiff Insurance & Financial Services in Mendon and by Nationwide, through the insurance company’s Grain Bin Safety advocacy campaign. This campaign has supplied grain rescue tubes and hands-on training to 200 rural fire departments across 30 states since 2014.

Through this initiative, Nationwide works with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) to train first responders in a grain simulator. At least four grain rescue tubes provided through the campaign have been used to save lives of farmers trapped in grain bins.

“It is truly our honor to invest and help protect our communities through the donation of the Grain Rescue Tube,” says Gregg Mealiff with Mealiff Insurance & Financial Services. “We are elated that our area fire departments have this tool and training to help in times of need.”

Nationwide’s safety program awarding 48 rescue tubes to first responders across the U.S. in 2021