Mine Safety training at HCTC

A James River Coal rescue team is shown as they prepare to enter the mock rescue area. Front row, from left, are Gene Fisher, Greg Clevenger, Clifton Preece, and Donald Lowe. In back, from left, are Chris Campton, Rick Wallen, Mike Sharp, and Adam Smith.

James River Coal, TECO, and Hazard Community & Technical College have partnered together to prepare mine rescue teams to safely and quickly respond to mine emergencies. TECO and James River Coal brought their mine rescue teams to the First Federal Center to run through mock drills this winter. "Safety is a No. One priority for the mining industry and the use of the HCTC First Federal Center in the winter as a place to practice drills gives the teams additional practice time they would not have had otherwise, making them better prepared when actual mine emergencies occur," said Jennifer Chester, Dean of Community Development at HCTC.

Fred Shannon, TECO's Mine Rescue Trainer said that the training is essential to prepare the rescue teams mentally and physically for actual rescues. He noted that training and practice are the best way for the teams to be prepared. Pat Schoolcraft, Safety Director for LeeCo and Blue Diamond, said that he is grateful to the community and to HCTC for hosting the teams and that the availability of the building allows them practice time they otherwise would not have due to the wind and cold. He added that training allows the teams to work on the safety aspects of mine rescue as well as quick response times when they assist with mine emergencies and prepares them for state and national competitions for mine rescue teams. This year the annual competition will be held in Nashville, Tenn. and all of the teams plan to participate.