Ag training facility designed to be hub for rescue officials

COLUMBUS - If the last two weeks have taught us anything, it's that firefighters need to be prepared for anything.

A new training facility about to open in Columbus is hoping to do just that.

A grain-bin rescue simulator has been constructed at the Columbus Fire Department's training site, designed to prepare rescue officials for all sorts of real-life scenarios.

"In addition to grain bin rescue there will be disciplines like man vs. machine, when someone gets their extremity caught in a machine, trench rescue, a lot of rope rescue," says Columbus firefighter/medic Ryan Sabata. "The list goes on."

Sabata says the facility is unique, and should help fill a gap in hands-on rescue scenarios that fire departments see often.

"There's a lot of knowledge out there," Sabata says. "There's just a lack of a way to train their members and test their capabilities in a realistic fashion. This facility's main purpose is to bridge that gap."

But Columbus won't be the only department that will benefit. City officials say they hope the new facility becomes a hub in the state for departments to come together and get better.

"Any time we get the opportunity to train with other departments, whether it's within the county or outside of the county, that sets us up for the response when it does occur," says Columbus Fire Chief Ryan Gray. "To have a facility that can provide real-time training and life-like evolutions with other departments is going to benefit our citizens."

The simulator has already drawn lots of support. Behlen Manufacturing donated the materials and dozens of businesses in the Columbus area pledged financial support. Now...for the facility to stay active, the department says they're looking for a little more support.

"This facility will hold about 1,000 to 1,500 bushels of grain," says Sabata. "We do have a pledge set up for this year but if someone would like to donate this fall around harvest we will be looking for replenished grain for next year."

Sabata says if all goes as planned, they should be ready to start training in June.