This week two of Consol’s Emery crews from the Utah mine were first and third in the recent “Best of the Best” mine rescue contest held at its training center in Virginia.

Several other Consol mine rescue teams also placed highly.

The Emery-Black team claimed first place honors at the event while the Emery-Blue team earned third place overall.

The competition, judged by the US Mine Safety and Health Administration, closed the US mine rescue contest season.

“Best of the Best” included two divisions for different levels of team experience.

In Division I, where Emery-Black took first place, rounding off the top three placers were Coal River Energy-Red of West Virginia and Emery-Blue.

In Division II Consol’s Shoemaker crew from West Virginia came out on top, followed by the team from the Bailey mine in Pennsylvania and home state-based Buchanan-Blue.

Other company teams on the docket for competition in the division were Buchanan-Orange, Buchanan-Gold, Loveridge, Blacksville, Enlow Fork, Robinson Run, McElroy, Consol of Kentucky, and Mine 84.

The company said it brought 18 teams to the contest from five states.

Consol mine rescue teams coordinator Bill Tolliver said officials met with teams after their performances to discuss mistakes and explain how crews could improve on their processes.

At a dinner for the teams, group president Peter Lilly commended the teams’ dedication.

“Mine rescue leads the way and we are fortunate to be down here for an event like this. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful things that you do and the example you set for the people in our company.”

“For all your efforts, all your sacrifice to serve on a Consol rescue team and to participate in mine rescue, thank you,” chief operating officer Bart Hyita added.

“It takes time away from your families and the whole industry appreciates your service.”

Consol teams also participated in seven other contests this season in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.