Pittsville Fire Department Chief Jerry Minor shared advice with the crowd at Farm Technology Days earlier this morning – If you own a tractor with roll-over protection, chances are slim you’d ever need services of his or any other fire and rescue department when your tractor tipped because that protection will prevent serious injury or death.

Minor and representatives from the Pittsville, Hewitt, Arpin, Richfield and Vesper fire departments participated in rescue demos on a site next to the National Farm Medicine Center (NFMC) tent, where event attendees could learn about the roll-over protective structure (ROPS) program and other agricultural safety measures. Minor said fire and rescue crews will provide 24 demonstrations throughout Farm Technology Days.

NFMC is sponsoring the largest area dedicated to agricultural health and safety in this event’s history. Safety and health demonstrations include tractor rollovers, power take-off entanglements and grain bin rescue. NFMC also will have a drawing for a ROPS giveaway, in partnership with McMillan Warner Mutual Insurance.

To learn more about the relationship NFMC has with rural fire and rescue departments and the need for specialized training, watch this video.

Minor has had a strong partnership with NFMC since shortly after its inception, having worked with the late Dr. Dean Emanuel, NFMC founder, and the late Dr. Dean Stueland who was a Marshfield Clinic emergency medicine physician passionate about emergency training for fire and rescue departments.

Photo: Pittsville, Hewitt, Arpin, Richfield and Vesper fire departments are participating in rescue demos at Farm Technology Days this year. The crews plan to host 24 demonstrations during the three-day event.