Local fire department reflects on impact of farm safety leader Dale Dobson

WARREN COUNTY, Ky. – The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is mourning the loss of Dale Dobson, who oversaw the department’s Farm Safety Program.

According to Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, Dobson served under four commissioners before Shell appointed him as director of Farm Safety and Rural Health.

Shell says Dobson built the department’s Farm Safety Program “from the ground up,” with his impact could be measured by lives saved.

When Dobson began his work, Shell says Kentucky experienced over 50 farm-related fatalities a year. Today, Shell says that number has fallen to under 12.

Dobson’s vision also resulted in the development of Kentucky’s grain bin rescue training, which is taught across the Commonwealth, as well as in other states, according to Shell.

Just last year, Shell says five Kentucky farmers survived grain bin entrapments due to first responders receiving training that Dobson had helped create.

Alongside Dr. Cheryl Witt, Shell says Dobson also helped establish Raising Hope, which brought attention and resources to farmer mental health. He also created the Challenge Coin Farmer Suicide Prevention Program, according to Shell.

“Dale Dobson leaves behind a legacy that will continue to protect Kentucky farmers for generations to come. His compassion, innovation and unwavering commitment to agriculture made our Commonwealth a safer and stronger place,” Shell stated.

In addition, the Woodburn Volunteer Fire Department in Warren County extended its remembrance of Dobson and how he impacted local first responders.

In a social media post Tuesday, the department stated, “Our deepest condolences to the Dale Dobson family on his passing. We have had the privilege over the years to have learned a lot about farm safety from him. He was one of the best instructors we have learned from, and he sure will be missed.”