-information courtesy of the City of Oxford, from its ‘Discover Oxford’ newsletter
By its very nature, insurance is protection that we pay for and hope we never need to use. Whether it’s home, health, auto or some other type, having insurance is essential.
One local insurance agent, Ray Pegram Jr. of Henderson, has donated a piece of life-saving equipment to the Oxford Fire Department. It’s a different type of insurance, and it’s something OFD Fire Chief David Cottrell hopes they don’t have to use.
Called The Great Wall of Rescue, this particular piece of equipment helps remove individuals who are trapped in grain bins.
It’s the first donation of its kind in North Carolina through a program sponsored by Nationwide Insurance. The Pegram Agency has offices in Henderson and Oxford.
Pegram said he worked on his uncle’s farm in Middleburg as a youngster, which instilled in him a deep respect for farmers. Farming involves risks, especially when working in silos.
“I hope they never have to use this equipment, but if they do, they’ll have it when it’s needed,” Pegram said. “It hits close to home for me.”
Cottrell expressed his appreciation for the donation and explained that grain entrapment rescue scenarios can quickly escalate, putting victims in grave danger. “If a 165-pound person sinks into the grain up to their waist, the pressure can be equivalent to 365 pounds. If the grain reaches their chest, the pressure can be equivalent to 600 pounds, making it almost impossible to lift,” Cottrell said. ‘The Great Wall of Rescue allows us to respond more efficiently and provides a vital support system for our rescuers, ensuring a quicker and safer extraction of individuals trapped in grain.”
The apparatus consists of lightweight panels that can be lowered into the grain bin and then configured in various shapes around the trapped individual. Nationwide has documented eight lives saved in the past few years, thanks to this equipment.
The arrival of the equipment underscores OFD’s commitment to improving rescue operations and ensuring the safety of their community members.
Learn more about this life-saving equipment at https://www.greatwallofrescue.com/.
