Community members welcome to attend

The Southern West Virginia Mine Rescue Association will host the 67th mine rescue contest at the West Virginia Training and Conference Center (WVTCC), 431 Running Right Way, Julian, in Boone County on Thursday, June 30, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Seven regional rescue teams plan to participate in the competition where they will showcase their mine rescue skills, such as exploration, ventilation, and problem-solving skills. In the competition, mine rescue members from each team will have to follow a specific mine rescue protocol to ensure the air quality is appropriate to move through the mine to search for missing miners.  

“The mine rescue member will have to work through the emergency scenario as they move further into the mine and will often have to treat the missing miners’ injuries and navigate through disasters such as roof and rib falls, fires, and water hazards,” said Rick Crookshanks, Safety Instructor at West Virginia Training and Conference Center.  

The Southern West Virginia Mine Rescue Contest exhibits the importance of safety, the coal miner, and central Appalachian heritage.  

“Competing mine rescue members are working to hone their skills in preparation for answering a dire call if ever needed. Few calls to service measure the same risk or importance to the mining families and local communities as responding to a mining disaster. These team members have volunteered for this responsibility and have dedicated their time to being prepared,” said J.J. Meadows, Southern West Virginia Mine Rescue Association member.  

The 67th annual timed competition will determine the best competing mine rescue team in southern West Virginia. These competitions are state and federally mandated, and teams are required to compete twice per year. Often, winning teams compete in the National competitions. The winner of the national competition is then invited to compete in the international competition, which will be held this year at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beaver, West Virginia.  

“The Southern West Virginia Mine Rescue Association recognizes mine rescue members’ sacrifices and are honored to assist with this preparation,” Meadows said.  

Community members are welcome to attend the contest. Please RSVP to the West Virginia Training and Conference Center by calling 304-369-7823. 

The WVTCC hosts  various competitions and events throughout the year, including the 2021 Eastern Collegiate Mine Rescue Contest.

For more information, or to schedule an event with the WVTCC, contact us.