Volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders from a number of Schuylkill County fire companies and rescue squads attended a mine safety seminar at the Citizen's Fire Company of Middleport. The course was taught by Paul Wagner, mine safety emergency response instructor, Bureau of Mine Safety, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Wagner said there are only two mine rescue teams in Schuylkill County, one in Tremont and one in Ebensburg. He also added there are only 12 in the state. During the class, Wagner provided information regarding the various types of hazards on both active and abandoned mines. For more information about classes offered by DEP, visit

www.MSHA.gov.