HAGERSTOWN, MD (October 8, 2018) – Washington County Government announces t he local Grain Bin Rescue Training that was cancelled earlier in September has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will now be held in the rear parking lot at Funkstown Fire Company at 2 South Westside Avenue, Funkstown, MD 21740 . All first responders are encouraged to attend this important training. 

Dan Neenan, director of NECAS, will be bringing the training equipment to Hagerstown. A portable grain tank filled with corn will be used along with safety equipment to educate and demonstrate how to properly use the equipment for this life saving training. Through the generous support from Jesse Reeder of Reeder Insurance , The Farm Service Agency of Washington County , Nationwide Insurance Foundation and the Washington County Farm Bureau , this life saving equipment will remain in Washington County and be housed at the Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company . This will be the second set of such lifesaving equipment in Washington County. 

“We hope this equipment never needs to be used but, in the event, that something happens we want our first responders to have the equipment available and be properly trained how to use it,” said Matt Schnebly, president of the Washington County Maryland Farm Bureau . 

Much of the funding for this safety training and the grain bin rescue equipment was obtained from the Nationwide Foundation who holds a contest to raise money for this safety equipment and training. Nationwide is dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities in which a large number of Nationwide members, associates, partners and their families live and work. Since 2000, the Nationwide Foundation has contributed more than $430 million to nonprofit organizations across the country that work to meet crucial needs in communities with a significant presence of Nationwide associates.

For questions related to the training, please contact Jerry Keplinger at 301-667-0073 or Leslie Hart at 301-573-7039. For all other information, please contact Public Relations and Marketing Director Danielle Weaver at 240-313-2384.