National Mine Rescue Association - Post 7

06/15/2026

At the beginning of June, our Alpha mine rescue teams competed at the Kentucky Mining Institute (KMI) State Mine Rescue Contest in Lexington, Kentucky. Both the Paramont and Southern WV teams had an excellent week of competition, demonstrating the skill, training, and teamwork that are essential to mine rescue.

We are proud of their hard work and commitment to mine safety. Please join us in congratulating our mine rescue teams on their participation and accomplishments at this year's KMI State Mine Rescue Contest!

Paramont Team:
Overall
•2nd place

Mine Rescue Day 2
•2nd place

Bench Drager Proair
•3rd place – Robbie Middleton

Southern West Virginia Team:
Overall
•3rd place

Combination (First Aid and Mine Rescue)
•1st place

Bench Drager Proair
•1st place – Seth Porter
•2nd place – Jonah Caudill

Team Tech
•2nd place – Josh Vereen and Mike Webb

First Aid
•1st place – Adam Sipes, Brian Jarrell, and Dave Green

Team Photo:
Left to right: Josh Vereen, Seth Porter, Grayson Cox, Adam Phillips, Brad Hawkins, Eric Collins, Casey Mooneyhan, Franklin Moore, Chris Estep, Mike Webb, Joey Sykes, Brian Jarrell, Jonah Caudill, Robby Middleton, Dave Green, Josh Cochran, James Thomas, Adam Sipes, Brian Keith, Eric Varney

06/11/2026

06/05/2026

Photos from 2026 KMI.

A collection of our images taken during the 2026 KMI Mine Rescue Contest in Lexington, Kentucky, between May 31st - June 4th

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Virginia's Mine Rescue Team for winning the overall award at the Kentucky Mining Institute State Mine Rescue Competition!

Competing against 28 teams from across the country, our team demonstrated the skill, discipline, and teamwork that define mine rescue at its highest level.

These competitions are more than contests. They're critical training opportunities that help prepare teams for real underground emergencies, including cave-ins, toxic gas exposure, roof instability, and other dangerous conditions where every second matters.

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

KMI 2026. Congratulations Virginia Energy.

1st place day one coal mine rescue
3rd place day two coal mine rescue
1st place overall coal mine rescue

06/05/2026

There's good news out of Washington today for coal country. The federal government has committed nearly $700 million to American coal — including upgrades to keep 13 plants running across ten states, with Kentucky right in the mix. It's backing for the men and women who keep our lights on, and a reminder that the country still counts on what they do. 🇺🇸