Spokesperson Mark Slack, second from left, joins Angela and Scott Trudeau with children, Taylor, Emily in the picture, Kendall, Abby and baby Levy at the launch of FARM 911 the Emily Project, August 23, 2017 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Farm 911 the Emily Project, named in honour of a young local girl killed in a farm accident, was officially launched in a ceremony at the Hastings County Plowing Match Wednesday.
Seven-year-old Emily Trudeau died as the result of a farm accident in Hastings County in August of 2014.
The responding ambulance went past the scene since there was no identifying number at the field, and had to be waived down by Emily’s mother.
Farm 911 is a community-run organization advocating for 911 number signage at the entrances of farm fields. Four counties, Hastings County, Northumberland, Prince Edward and Lennox and Addington have joined together in The Emily Project and more are showing an interest.
Emily’s father, Scott Trudeau, says he’s overwhelmed by the response.
Belleville fire chief Mark MacDonald told the crowd Farm 911 is a “game-changer” for first responders.
FARM 911 spokesperson Mark Slack at the program launch at the Hastings County Plowing Match, August 23, 2017 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
FARM 911 organization spokesperson Mark Slack says he hopes farmers will seriously consider getting the numbered signs for their farm fields, woodlots, and hunting camps. He urged the general public to obtain them for their cottages to assist first responders do their jobs.
Slack commended the Trudeau family for endorsing The Emily Project.
Speaking to the rural community he said, “We’re putting our trust in you.”
Commenting at the launch, Hastings-Lennox and Addington MP Mike Bossio said he would lobby to have this a national standard in the future and that he had already spoken to other people from across the country who had shown an interest.
