Terry Phegley of Sunrise Coal shows a piece of equipment to SIC President Dr. Jonah Rice and SIC Fire Training Coordinator, Bobby Williams.
One of the key pieces of equipment needed for fire brigade work and coal mining is a self-contained breathing apparatus, also known as an SCBA. These pieces must be replaced periodically at significant expense. This week, Terry Phegley of Sunrise Coal in Terre Haute, Indiana, delivered a package of six such pieces to Southeastern Illinois College for its coal mine and fire brigade training.
Phegley said they are pleased with the training they have experienced at SIC and thought this was a good way to give back to the program.
Mine Rescue Trainer Terry Phegley of Sunrise Coal holds one of six pieces of breathing apparatus equipment being donated to SIC. Pictured (l-r) are Dr. Jonah Rice, SIC President; Ben Ross, SIC Workforce Education Coordinator; Phegley; and Bobby Williams, SIC Fire Training Coordinator.
Bobby Williams, fire training coordinator at SIC, said, “Mr. Phegley first mentioned several months ago the possibility of them getting new SCBAs and donating their existing ones … and it is very much appreciated. A new Draeger SCBA costs around $2,000-$3,000. Though these pieces of equipment are not brand new, parts of them can be used and incorporated with the existing ones we have, which will help with repairs and extend their life. We are very fortunate and grateful to have the relationship we do with Mr. Terry Phegley and Sunrise Coal.”
More than 1,000 miners from around the region go through mine safety training at SIC each year. Nearly half of those miners are new to the coal industry. Additionally, around 100 or more individuals receive fire brigade training at SIC annually.
For additional information regarding fire brigade or coal mine training opportunities at SIC, contact Ben Ross at 618-252-5400 ext. 2248.
