Grain rescue appreciation dinner held after receiving new equipment

LEWISBURG, Ky – A dinner was held in Logan County to show appreciation for the people who helped fund the county’s new grain rescue equipment.

County leaders decided the equipment was needed after a 2024 incident in which a man became trapped in grain.

The fire department told News 40 the rescue took about three and a half hours, but with the new equipment, a similar rescue could take less than half that time.

The community raised around $80,000 in donations to help pay for the equipment.

“To see the community pour their support into this was really heartwarming for all of us, because it shows how much this means to people. Seeing everybody come together just makes us very thankful that we live in this county,” said Lewisburg Fire Department Chief Johnathon Epley.

He says the new equipment is versatile and can be used for several different types of farm rescues.

Fire departments in Logan County also want surrounding counties to know they can request the equipment if they need help with a farm emergency.

“This is not just a local county project. We will go anywhere in Kentucky, Tennessee or wherever we’re needed. As long as we have the staffing to hook up to the trailer and go, local dispatch centers just need to contact Logan County dispatch and request the rescue team,” Epley said.

They hope they never have to use the equipment, but nights like this help raise awareness about farm safety