Smithfield Foods donates grain bin rescue systems to 12 local fire departments; company aims to enhance first responder capabilities near feed mills and grain elevators

Smithfield, Va., September 11, 2024 – Smithfield Foods donated 12 lifesaving grain bin rescue systems to local fire departments servicing nearby feed mills and grain elevators.

“Employee safety is a top priority at any farm or feed mill,” said Steve Evans, vice president of community development for Smithfield Foods. “Many local fire and rescue departments operate on limited budgets and resources, so we are proud to do our part to ensure first responders have essential tools to quickly and effectively respond to life-threatening situations like grain bin entrapment.”

The following fire departments received a grain rescue system:

• Yuma Fire Department – Yuma, Colorado 
• Liberty Fire Department – LaPaz, Indiana 
• Bethany Fire Department – Bethany, Missouri 
• Mercer Fire Department – Princeton, Missouri 
• Compton Junction Fire Department – Nevada, Missouri 
• Trenton Fire Department – Trenton, Missouri 
• Bladenboro Fire Department – Bladenboro, North Carolina 
• Washington County Emergency Management – Creswell, North Carolina 
• Laurinburg Fire Department – Laurinburg, North Carolina 
• Warsaw Fire Department – Warsaw, North Carolina 
• Dillon Fire & Emergency Management Services – Dillon, South Carolina 
• Surry County Emergency Management – Waverly, Virginia 

The grain bin rescue system called the Great Wall of Rescue increases survival rates in the event of grain bin entrapment. The lightweight wall sections work by being placed around the entrapped victim. Once inserted, the Great Wall of Rescue will stop the flow of free-flowing grain towards the victim and block any additional pressure that may be created from rescuers. Rescuers can begin removing the grain around the victim and inside the tube to allow the victim to exit.

For more information about Smithfield’s programs to support its local communities, please visit smithfieldfoods.com/helping-communities.