Buried up to his chest in corn kernels inside a grain bin, Hamilton Township volunteer firefighter Travis Quillen was asked if he could move.

He could wiggle his body a little bit, but he wasn’t able to free himself.

Three other firefighters grabbed four rescue panels and placed them around Quillen. Once those were secure, a vacuum was used to suck up the kernels surrounding Quillen.

He was then able to move and lift himself out of the grain bin.

Quillen was one of nearly 30 first responders, farmers and agribusiness employees participating in the Hazards of Flowing Grain and Confined Space Entry/Rescue training Saturday at the Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Department in Cortland.

The eight-hour course was led by Bill Harp and his son, Michael Harp, with the Safety and Technical Rescue Association of Livonia, Michigan.

For the full story, pick up a copy of Tuesday’s Tribune or read the story online at tribtown.com.