North America - Lehigh Cement Company Cadomin Quarry Partners with Community for Emergency Response Services

Cadomin Quarry is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains approximately 360 kilometers west of Edmonton, Alberta. The operation, which runs 40 hours per week with 18 employees, supplies limestone to the Edmonton cement plant.

Previously, a "Mutual Aid" agreement with Cardinal River Coals, another area company, provided emergency response assurance in the event of an urgent situation at the Quarry. "Although some employees had previous Mine Rescue experience, the level of training and practice time required to keep their skills current became a commitment too large to fulfill," explained Ron Moss, Quarry Manager. The Quarry has been relying on Cardinal River Coals since disbanding the Inland Mine Rescue team several years ago. Because of the coal mine's uncertain future, however, Lehigh Inland began to look for other ways to provide emergency response coverage at the Quarry.

In February 2004, Moss met with Yellowhead County Director of Emergency Services' Murray Heinrich to explore options on training a number of employees in basic fire fighting and rescue techniques. Yellowhead County was interested in having more potential members for the Cadomin Fire Department, especially during workday hours when many of the regular members are away from home. It was resolved that Yellowhead Country would provide equipment and fire fighter training and Lehigh Inland would offer assistance to Cadomin and the surrounding area in the event of an emergency.

In March 2004, Cadomin resident and District Fire Chief Jean-Claude Brisson met with Assistant Quarry Manager Mike Latimer to discuss what training would be most beneficial for the community and the company. "We emphasized that the existing volunteer members were not to be displaced by new Lehigh Cement Company members, and that we wanted to build on and enhance the relationship with the Cadomin Volunteer Fire Department, Lehigh Inland and the community," Latimer said.

PHOTO CAPTION: Kneeling (l-r): JC Brisson (Cadomin VFD), Boyd Bancroft, Howard Lutz (Cadomin VFD), Lawrence Carr (Cadomin VFD). Middle row (l-r) Cel Marchildon, Don Roberts, Wayne Tarnasky, Chad Manning, Moe Prudhomme (Cadomin VFD) Back row (l-r): Claude Foseille, Kevin Francis, Harold Parker, Mike Latimer, Paget Stewart (Brule VFD)

In April nine employees from Lehigh Inland's Cadomin Quarry and five Cadomin residents attended a three-day Entry Level Fire Fighting course. Training included fire and building/structure theory, firefighting videos and a hands-on practical component. The final afternoon simulated a burning building requiring water hauling, relay pumping, fire fighting and a building search and rescue requiring breathing apparatus.

"The new partnership is definitely a Win-Win-Win situation," Latimer said. "Lehigh Inland employees receive additional training, the company obtains access to emergency response equipment, and the community benefits from increased daytime fire fighting coverage."

Archives

-2006
-2005
-2004