There is nothing like the exhilaration of winning, but with mine rescue teams when winners are announced the roof almost caves in from the loud excitement of those who have spent hours on training and are now being recognized for it.
Even as a bystander it’s difficult not to get caught up in the enthusiasm and appreciate what the people involved must be feeling in the moment.
Saturday, May 14, 2016 was such a day as the East Kootenay Mines Industrial Safety Association’s 95th Annual Mine Rescue and First Aid Competitions held from 8:00-3:00 pm at SMS in Elkford, BC hosted by Line Creek Operations –Teck Coal Limited.
Disclosure of winners was conducted at the evening awards banquet held in the Community Center in Fernie.
MC duties were well performed by Norm Fox, with a welcome by Ian Anderson General Manager of the host mine, an informative history of mine rescue provided by Gary Letcher- OHSC Co-chair, Line Creek Operations.
Robin Sheremeta Teck Coal Vice President Operations gave a welcome and speech thanking everyone for their work with mine rescue.
After the dinner Norm introduced guests Tom Shypitka and spouse Kerrie. Tom was speaking on behalf of Minister Bill Bennett who was unable to attend this year, first time missed in many years.
Dean McKerracher Mayor of Elkford and spouse Joanne, Mayor Cal McDougall and wife Norma, Mayor Mary Giuliano and spouse Nick as well as Doran Jones, coordinator of Emergency Preparedness Coordination for the Ministry of Energy and Mines were also introduced.
As the mayor I said the following; “On behalf of the City of Fernie I want to extend sincere congratulations to individuals and to teams taking home trophies. I also want to congratulate everyone who participated today. With your involvement you are showing incredible commitment to safety. This dedication to safety is obvious as being deeply felt because of the time, effort and sacrifice that is required. I’m sure that competitors spend a great deal of time in training and education. You and your spouse and families need to be thanked for the constant contribution that you provide to the workplace, to the community and to mine rescue. The success of mine rescue is truly a great achievement for labour, Management and mines inspection. Thank you to the organizers of this event, thank you to all the participants and continued success in the future. Congratulations everyone. I believe that everyone who is part of this competition deserves to be thanked. These kinds of events take a lot of preparation and involve many people, those planning the tasks, the individuals that play the part of patients, the competitors, judges, the list is long.”
AWARDS:
First awards were presented by Tamarra Pryhitko of Staying Alive First Aid Academy and she announced:
3-person First Aid Second Place trophy – Coal Mountain
3-person First Aid First Place trophy – Greenhills
Jerrold Jewsbury Inspector of Mines, Health and Safety and Chief Judge then announced:
Best Written (Dunbar Award) – Conrad Arsenault
Best Captain (Jack Peters Award) – Steve Kallies
Best Team Bench- Elkview Coal
Second Place Team going to the Provincials – Elkview Coal
First Place Team going to the Provincials – Greenhills
Jerrold commented that everyone performed excellent in the tasks, since he began four years ago he said he has noticed the experienced competitors but now it was gratifying to see so many new young competitors.
Several of the competitors were fundraising for Stars and went around with their good luck charm A L B Tross. I was privileged to have my photo taken with them, thank you guys.
