Mine Rescue Teams Prepare for the Worst
WVVA TV
August 6, 2013
Mine Rescue teams from all over the east coast meet in Blacksburg on Tuesday for the Virginia Mine Institute contest.
"Mine Rescue is extremely important to this industry," says Elmer Vandyke of the Buchanan County Mine Rescue. "They have specialized training; they can go into areas and they are trained on the safety of how to protect themselves, plus take care of the situation underground.
This year's contest is held on August 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2013. Teams compete for trophies for each day of the competition and conclude with an overall champion.
This contest also raises money to give scholarships to students at Southwest Virginia Community College. The scholarships go to coal mining families.
President of the Virginia Mine Institute, Randy Cox says this event is a win, win situation. "These guys are able to get the training that they need and we are able to help college students all at the same time."
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