I've been wanting to write on this subject for quite some time now. I would like to share with you some of the common bonds the fire service shares with coal mining. First off a lot a firefighting equipment was developed for the mining industry. One example of this is the breathing apparatus. These were developed to rescue trapped miners underground in fire or explosion incidents. MSA (Mine Safety Appliances) still produce breathing apparatus for the fire service, in addition to many items for the mining industry. There are times when the mining industry and the fire service have collided. On November 13, 1909 the Cherry Hill mine in Illinois caught fire killing 259 men and boys. The fire was so fierce that, a Chicago fire pumper along with Chicago firefighters were loaded onto a train and transported to the mine to combat the blaze. Some of the original first aid crews were for underground mines. Some of these larger mines had their own underground ambulance. By now many of you have seen on the news miners wearing reflective clothing that resembles firefighting reflective clothing. This revolution in mine safety was thought of by a Massey Energy safety director who, happened to be a Volunteer Firefighter with the Kenova Fire Dept in West Virginia. He got his inspiration from firefighting protective clothing, which have had reflective material on them for years. It is hard to say how many miners lives has been saved by this innovation. Lastly, a large common bond between the two industries is the danger of the job and the brotherhood. Both activities require a certain amount of situational awareness. At any time you can be hurt or killed in both jobs. The brotherhood. This could be the most important bond of them all. Both jobs take a lot of time away from home life. Many times you are with your work family more than your own family. This creates a bond that can't be described to people who have never experienced it. In closing both jobs require you to look out for your fellow employees well being, in these jobs you are truly your brothers keeper.
