By SANDRA BRAND
NEA Town Courier Editor
Two men have been rescued from a grain bin in Poinsett County and they are grateful to the rescue teams who saved their lives.
The two men were trapped in a grain bin around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 4 just north of Marked Tree.
W.G. Willoughby, of Marked Tree, was rescued after about 20 minutes.
However, it took rescuers some three hours to safely remove Don Beck, Jr., also of Marked Tree, from the bin.
Willoughby said both men are grateful to the rescuers who put their lives on the line to save them.
In a statement to Anthony Cossey, with the Poinsett County Democrat-Tribune, Willoughby wrote, “I want to thank everyone who responded. These people unselfishly risked their lives to save two.
“The response reminded me of my time in the military. We are very grateful and thankful for everyone who responded on scene to make sure the situation did not escalate any further. The safety measures discussed between myself and employees prior to our work in the bin worked.
“Our connection to first responders came swiftly, and in turn their response was immediate,” Willoughby continued, “The event has sparked an increase in focus on safety and updating future bin management to assure this does not happen in the future.
“Once again, we are very grateful for those who dedicate their time and effort to helping others.”
The Poinsett County Sheriff’s Department and fire departments from Marked Tree, Lepanto and Marion were on the scene long with ambulance crews.