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WV Teams Excel at National Mine Rescue Competition

Alpha Natural Resources Southern WV Team Captain Tommy Dove competes in the National Mine Rescue Competition that was held in October in Columbus, Ohio.

More than 100 teams from 13 states competed in the 2011 National Mine Rescue, First-Aid, Bench and Preshift Competition at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio which was held in early October.

Teams from West Virginia fared very well in the event including taking third, eighth and eleventh in the overall competition results. First and Fourth in the Combination Competition results and six teams in the top ten of the First Aid competition. 
 “The critical importance of mine rescue teams was underscored with last year’s tragedy at Upper Big Branch Mine,” said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health.  “Having been at the scene of too many mining accidents, I know firsthand the need for well-trained and experienced mine rescue teams. I have the highest respect for these men and women, and am deeply grateful for their sacrifices.”

Selected results from the National Mine Rescue, First Aid, Bench, and Preshift Contest, Columbus, Ohio held October 3 - 6, 2011.

Mine Rescue Competition Final Results

#3 Patriot Coal – Magnum Madison, WV captain Travis Lett

#8 Cliffs - Pinnacle Mining Co. - Pinnacle Blue Team - Pineville, WV captain Chad Lester

#11 Alpha Natural Resources - Southern WV Team Naoma, WV captain Tommy Dove


Combination Competition Final Results

#1 Patriot Coal Magnum captains Travis Lett & Britt Crouse

#4 Alpha Natural Resources Southern WV Naoma, WV Team captains Tommy Dove & Dave Green


First Aid Competition Results

#3 Patriot Coal Magnum Madison, WV team captain Britt Crouse

#5 Alpha Natural Resources Southern WV Team Naoma, WV Team Captain Dave Green

#6 Eastern Associated Coal, LLC Federal No. 2 Fairview, WV Team Captain John Sabo 

#7 Patriot Coal Southern Appalachia Wharton, WV team captain Jon Castle

#8 Eastern Associated Coal, LLC Federal No. 2 Fairview, WV team captain Justin Scott

#10 Patriot Coal Magnum Madison, WV team captain Travis Lett


To see a complete list of competition results, click here.

Click here to see a video about this year's competition produced by MSHA>