Amalgamated Sugar’s Twin Falls factory has donated a set of safety equipment to the Twin Falls Fire Department at an event held on Thursday, October 7. The set includes a Great Wall of Rescue system that can quickly assist in the rescue of individuals who are entrapped within storage silos, railcars, or bulk handling areas.

 

“We are always working to develop our safety culture at Amalgamated Sugar. We want every teammate to return home to their families the same way as they left them,” said Jeff Brown, Amalgamated Sugar’s Twin Falls District Safety Manager. “We do everything we can to prevent dangerous situations, but we also need to be ready for an emergency; This rescue equipment is one way we’re staying prepared.”

 

The Great Wall of Rescue system, valued at $3,400, includes a removable step with eight interlocking panels that slide down around the trapped person to protect them during the rescue. There are platforms for rescue personnel to stand on. A hand or cordless drill-operated auger quickly removes the product from inside the panels to the point where the person can climb out.

 

 

The Twin Falls Fire Department is looking forward to learning the Great Wall of Rescue system. “Without Amalgamated Sugar’s partnership, getting this particular piece of equipment would not have been possible,” said Mitchell Brooks, Twin Falls Fire Department Battalion Chief. “While we hope that we never have to use it, we will put the equipment to good use in training and will be prepared if necessary.”

 

“This donation will not only protect our employees, but people throughout the Magic Valley, especially those who handle products like grain, corn, and fertilizer,” said Brown. “It also provides the ability to rescue multiple people at the same time by sharing equipment if needed.”

 

The Twin Falls Fire Department will also have access to additional rescue equipment stored at Amalgamated Sugar’s Twin Falls factory. Amalgamated Sugar is currently making plans for a joint training exercise with Twin Falls Fire Department and Twin Falls factory employees to prepare both parties in case of an emergency at the facility.

 

Amalgamated Sugar and the Twin Falls Fire Department have worked collaboratively in the past on training exercises. Recently, the Department conducted a confined space training at Amalgamated Sugar’s Twin Falls factory.

 

This donation follows up another that Amalgamated Sugar’s Mini-Cassia factory recently made to West End Fire & Rescue in Paul, ID, which happened last month.