Mine rescuers are recognized

A ceremony was held recently in Kirkland Lake, Ont., to recognize the bravery and dedication of 145 people who worked for 77 days in late 1993 and early 1994 to recover the bodies of two miners killed in an accident at the Macassa mine.

The operation began as a rescue effort, but eventually the search ended with the recovery of the bodies of Leonce Verrier and Robert Sheldon, members of the United Steelworkers’ Local 4584.

The ceremony, held at the Kirkland Lake Miners’ Memorial, included the presentation of certificates from Gov. Gen. Romeo LeBlanc and Prime Minister Jean Chretien, as well as presentations made by representatives of the local, provincial and federal governments.

“There is no reward in searching through hazardous underground rubble for men who have died,” says Local 4584 President Steve Yee. “Those involved in the rescue and recovery deserve admiration for their untiring efforts. We cannot thank them enough.”