A mine rescue team from The Doe Run Company recently earned high honors when the team members put their rescue skills to the test at the 40th Southern Regional Mine Rescue Classic in New Iberia, La. The Gray Team, one of Doe Run’s two mine rescue teams, took second place in the three-man first-aid competition. The group also took third place in the two-man technician competition, which sharpens the team’s skills on mine rescue equipment, including breathing units, gas detectors and communication systems.

The Southern Regional Mine Rescue Classic, sponsored by the US Mine Safety and Health Administration, was divided into four events, including a mine rescue contest, a technician team contest, a first-aid contest and a team trainer contest. By actively training and testing the skills of its mine rescue teams in numerous competitions each year, Doe Run raises the standard for employee safety and builds on years of mine rescue expertise.

“We are extremely proud of the Gray Team’s accomplishments and their dedication to mine safety,” said Dan King, safety specialist at Doe Run and mine rescue team trainer. “These teams provide an extra measure of protection beyond our around-the-clock commitment to safe operations and practices. We’re thankful to have such talented guys ready should a real mine emergency occur.”

Members of Doe Run’s first-aid team include Randall Hill, Brad Beck and Wayne Marlin, team captain. The technician team consists of Garry Moore, Jr., and Kenny Wood, who serves as co-captain of the Gray Team. Other team members include Charles Walker, Kevin James, Kenny Sherrill, Kelly Kalman, James Gamblin and the late Carl Mann.

On average, Doe Run’s rescue teams dedicate more than 40 hours every month, outside of regular work schedules, to prepare for competition season. The Southern Regional Mine Rescue Classic is just one of several competitions that Doe Run participates in annually to sharpen mine rescue team members’ abilities and collaborate with other top rescuers. Most recently, Doe Run’s other rescue group, the Maroon Team, won the field competition during the Southwestern Regional Mine Rescue Competition in Carlsbad, N.M. Both teams are currently training for the 2010 National Mine Rescue Contest, slated for July 27-29 in Reno, Nev. The competition stands out as one of the largest and most comprehensive competitions in the US.