Members of the Manila Fire Department are pleased to have new rescue equipment in-house. The new 18 foot trailer houses equipment needed for emergency rescue in grain bins. Rescue equipment includes harnesses, helmets, rope, cutting tools, tri-pod, let-down basket, rescue tube and auger, vacuums along with masks, ear plugs and ear muffs, etc.
Members of Leachville Fire Department joined Manila firefighters on Saturday, Oct. 22, for an all day training session.
The equipment was purchased through a joint effort raising $17,000 for the needed equipment.
"Grain bins are all around us," Manila Fire Chief Tracey Reinhart said.
The firemen met on Thursday evening and invited people who had helped with the purchase to view the trailer and eqiupment.
Donations came from Cox Pirani Farms (Dino Pirani); David and Justin Wildy (Wildy Family Farms); Chris Bennett with Agxplore; Gene Adams with Adams Farms; and Jared Camp who organized a wrestling fundraising event.
Also the citizens of Manila supported the efforts as the firefighters held a Boston butt sale, car wash and boot collection road block.
Fire Chief Reinhart expressed his appreciation to all of the contributors and members of the fire department for their efforts in acquiring the rescue equipment.