Gower Fire Dept. trains for grain bin incidents

On Saturday, April 22, eleven Gower fire volunteers and one from Faucett received training for potential grain bin accidents.

Lt. Angie Jones of the Maryville Fire Department provided the training, which included a classroom session with videos and slides and questions, as well as a staged, hands-on mock rescue. Jones, who works with the University of Missouri Fire Rescue Training Institute, has conducted a couple dozen of these training sessions and stated that, statistically, most of these incidents happen to men between the ages of 40 and 70.

According to Gower Fire Chief Jon Roe, there has never been an accident of this type in the area to his knowledge, but he wants his department to be ready if called upon for such a situation.

“We hope we never have to use this training, but we want to have our staff prepared to respond if the situation arises,” the chief said.

Chief Roe plans on doing this type of training annually to keep the volunteers familiar with the needed equipment and receive any new information. The department has purchased some of the most up-to-date rescue tools, which include aluminum panels, an auger and ropes. The panels have handles attached on both sides, slide together and once in place they surround the victim. The auger is

||Continued on A2 space in Goppert for years,” said SB40 President Kendra Gagnon. “But this space is much larger, is in a historic building in downtown Lathrop, and is much more visible to the community. In the new space, each of our support coordinators has her own office (the three support coordinators previously shared an office). We also have a small conference room and a front desk/reception area. We are excited that the added space will give us a place to meet with our clients and our community partners, either privately or in groups, and may even allow us to host some small events in the future.”

She added that the new location will allow SB40 to better serve the community while sparking curiosity and interest in their mission.

Named for the 1969 state legislation that allowed for its formation, Senate

Bill 40 provides services and support for people of all ages with disabilities. In one effort, the group’s support coordinators provide individual case management for people with disabilities in Clinton County. In another, the group supports community efforts that keep Clinton County inclusive to people of all abilities. Some examples include assistance and financial support for numerous projects, including the recently-opened inclusive playground at Lathrop’s municipal park, the City of Gower’s ADA sidewalk project downtown and the therapeutic horseback riding program Dream Catchers in Cameron.

The group has also been a long-time supporter of Clinco, the sheltered workshop in Cameron, including a recent allocation of nearly $50,000 for a new van to transport clients with dis- abilities.

Senate Bill 40 is funded through a pair of sources: a local, dedicated tax levy and reimbursements from Missouri Medicare funds for the group’s case management services. The SB40 board is comprised of nine members from throughout Clinton

County who are appointed by the Clinton County Commissioners.

SB40 Executive Director Jessica Clariday said she, too, wasn’t fully sure of the group’s purpose and efforts until she began working with SB40.

“What I have found in the almost five years I have been here, is that we provide services for some of the most loving, deserving people I have ever met,” she said.

She said SB40 wants to connect with any families that could possibly benefit from their services.

“We work with so many great people within our community and we are always questioning who might not know about our services, and how we can make those

Grain Bin Training,

used to pump out the grain in the bin. This allows the victim to hopefully use the handles on the inside as hand holds and steps to eventually climb to safety. Only a couple, maybe three rescuers, would be actively involved in the bin in time of an accident.

Lt. Jones said that different grains act differently. Moisture content also adds another variable. However, in less than 10 minutes, someone trapped in a grain bin could be completely covered and suffocate.

To help reduce the risk in a grain bin, make sure an individual never enters a bin alone. Never let children play around or enter a grain bin. The best insurance in these situations is to avoid potential problems; however, if one arises, be aware that the Gower Fire Protection District is ready to assist connections within our communities,” she said. “We hope a new location will provide us with a comfortable space to welcome our current and future clients, as well as our local community members.” if needed.

To learn more about SB40 or keep up with their operations, follow the group on Facebook, or call at (816) 528-3846.

The Gower Fire Protection District will be doing water rescue training with the Department of Conservation this month.