Pictured above (left to right) are Dustin Patterson (State Mine Inspector), Loretta Fondaw (Team Captain), Jake Montgomery (Gas Man), Bonnie Jamerson (Map Man), Tyler Kimmel (Command Center Attendant), Jarrett Kelly (Tail Captain), Trent Cross (Briefing Officer), Dan Wiedwilt (Gas Man), and Doug Ping (Patient).
On August 9, Prairie State’s mine rescue team competed in the national competition in Lexington, Kentucky. Forty teams from across the country participated; our team placed fifth nationwide, and first out of all Illinois teams. The team completed the problem perfectly, with no docks.
Our mine rescue team trains countless hours to be prepared for any situation that may arise underground. These contests give them the chance to test their skills and show how important their work is. We thank all of our mine rescue team members for their commitment to emergency preparation.