Funding purchases a specialized grain rescue tube, making the life-saving emergency unit fully operational for Lewis County ahead of fall harvest.
FCS Financial recently gave a $4,000 grant to the Lewistown Fire Department Auxiliary to support the completion of a dedicated Grain Bin Response Trailer. The funding directly covers the purchase of a specialized grain bin rescue tube, completing the essential equipment needed to launch the life-saving response unit.
Bridging the Final Funding Gap
The auxiliary previously raised $8,000 through local community and business donations to procure the trailer, auger, vent fan, and rescue drill. With the addition of the rescue tube — a critical enclosure that protects a trapped farmer from surrounding grain during removal — the unit will be fully operational ahead of the fall harvest to serve Lewis County and surrounding rural communities.
“Agriculture is at the core of our rural communities, and ensuring the safety of our local farmers is essential. We are proud to partner with the Lewistown Fire Department Auxiliary to bring this vital rescue equipment to Lewis County, helping protect those who farm in this region.”
— Rob Guinn, CEO of FCS Financial
The project was designed from the beginning as a grass-roots, community-led initiative to ensure local emergency services remained fully funded without burdening taxpayers.
“Our goal from day one was to build this response trailer entirely through donations so it would place zero strain on the fire district's operating budget. This $4,000 grant from FCS Financial bridges our final funding gap. Having this rescue tube ready before harvest gives our department the exact tools needed to respond quickly and save lives in a grain bin emergency.”
— William Fountain, Primary Contact for the Lewistown Fire Department Auxiliary
Community Deployment & Permanent Recognition
The completed Grain Bin Response Trailer will be deployed for specialized rescue operations and emergency training across Lewis County. FCS Financial will be permanently recognized on the exterior of the trailer alongside other local project sponsors who helped make this essential safety project a reality.
Investing in the Future of Rural Missouri
To learn more about the FCS Financial Rural Community & Agriculture Foundation and our ongoing community support initiatives, visit our website.
