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What could have ended in tragedy instead became a Christmas Eve success story in Jackson, thanks to fast action, teamwork, and a bit of luck.
On the evening of Christmas Eve, the Jackson Fire Department was dispatched to a local factory after reports that a worker had fallen and become trapped inside a hopper.
According to officials, the worker had been trying to retrieve a dropped cell phone when he fell approximately 10 to 12 feet into the hopper, landing on powdery material below. Despite the frightening situation, the worker was able to recover his phone and call 911 for help.
A responding officer from the Jackson Police Department quickly alerted plant personnel that a worker had fallen somewhere inside the facility. During a rapid and coordinated search, responders located the employee inside a bin on an upper floor, with an auger actively operating beneath him—raising the urgency of the rescue.
Multiple agencies converged on the scene, including Jackson County EMS, the Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Fire Department, and Jackson Fire units including the department’s Rescue truck, Tower, and two engines.
Working together, responders were able to safely remove the worker from the hopper. Remarkably, he was not injured.
The Jackson Fire Department credited the successful outcome to the quick actions of first responders and the cooperation of plant employees on scene.
This rescue highlights the importance of rapid communication, training, and strong partnerships between agencies.
Instead of sirens ending the night in sorrow, Jackson County’s first responders delivered a true Christmas Eve gift—bringing a worker home safe and unharmed.
