Henry Crawford at the 2023 Mining Emergency Response Competition in Perth, Australia.

From an early age, Henry dreamed of becoming a firefighter. The spark came from watching his father always willing to help people in need; when he saw someone stopped on the side of the road, his dad was the first to offer assistance. It wasn’t long before the practice rubbed off on Henry, and he started to imagine how he could turn helping others into a career. While attending a job fair in 2011, Henry discovered an unexpected path for pursuing that dream - mining.

Henry began his career that same year at Hecla Greens Creek Mine, the largest producing silver mine in the United States. Shortly after joining, he saw the mine rescue team practicing for a competition and knew immediately that he wanted to volunteer.

Safety and deploying safe mining practices are critical aspects of mining and mine rescue volunteers undergo additional training in emergency response and medical care. As part of his training to join the Greens Creek team, Henry also had the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream and complete surface fire training at a local station.

“Other safety professionals have to pay to train, but in mining we get paid to complete safety training. It’s very rewarding to work in an atmosphere where you experience the kind of camaraderie that comes from having each other’s backs.” – Henry Crawford

Some of the members of Pogo Mine’s emergency response team.

A Culture of Safety

Now an underground miner for Northern Star Resources at their Pogo Mine, where he has worked for the last five years, Henry continues to live and expand his long-time career aspiration by volunteering for Pogo’s mine rescue team, practicing emergency scenarios weekly while on shift and serving as back-up for Pogo’s dedicated fire team.

“Thankfully we don’t have to respond to emergencies often, but testing and repairing equipment to make sure they are up to standards and running through digital checklists are part of our regular practice,” Henry said. “This preparation, repetition, and hands-on practice as a team are critical so we are ready when emergencies do arise.”

Working closely with the other members of the mine rescue and fire teams, Henry’s work helps ensure that each of the 480 employees on site go home safely at the end of every shift.

Learn, Evolve, Compete - Repeat!

As part of his ongoing training, Henry has competed in 10 mine rescue competitions across North America – primarily through the Central Mine Rescue competition. The events bring together teams from a cooperative of nine mines across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest who respond when any of the group’s members need aid.

While participation in these competitions is not mandatory, Henry sees these competitions as valuable for sharpening skills and strengthening teamwork. The repetition mirrors daily safety practices, helping each task become second nature.

“You don’t feel as much pressure in a competition scenario or in a real-life emergency because you know what to do. It becomes like walking or breathing – your instinct kicks in.” – Henry Crawford

Equally as important is the ability to practice working alongside other team, getting to understand each other’s strengths and trust one another.

“You walk away from these competitions feeling sure of yourself and your team,” Henry said. “You know you can count on each other.”

A Mind-blowing Opportunity

While he wouldn’t have imagined it at the time, the fire training Henry completed early in his career would later allow him to take his passion for mine rescue competitions onto the international stage. In 2023, Henry travelled to Australia to compete in his 11th mine rescue competition as part of Northern Star’s team at the Mining Emergency Response Competition in Perth.

Only two members of the Northern Star team had competed alongside each other before and with only one week to train together before the competition, building team trust was key.

“It felt like a cultural exchange,” Henry said. “I kept raising my hand in training to ask questions as the Australian terminology was different than what I’m used to, but everyone was patient and happy to explain. Their hospitality was off the charts. I didn’t feel like I was far from home at all.”

When it came time to compete, Henry felt confident that he and his Australian peers had each other’s backs.

Sharpening Their Skills

From rope rescue techniques in vertical rescue simulations to firefighting and first aid, the MERC program provided the 15 teams with challenges designed to sharpen their decision-making processes and skills.

“It was more elaborate than any competition I’ve been in before…It was mind-blowing.” Henry said.”

Henry cited the crash course as his most challenging event – a simulation in which two patients were trapped inside and beneath a slanted vehicle, while the rescue team raced against the clock.

“The stress you’re under in these timed settings prepares you for real life. You feel less anxious knowing that you’ve handled a variety of emergency situations before, which helps you to analyze situations quickly and calmly.” – Henry Crawford

The joint Australia-Alaska Northern Star team placed 6th out of 20 competitors – an excellent result for a newly formed team.

“When I first got into mine rescue, I had no idea that I would have opportunities like this, to travel and compete across the world,” Henry said. “I would love to participate again and hope to see some of my Australian teammates at future competitions in the U.S.”

Preparing for the Next Challenge

After returning to Alaska, Henry turned his attention and preparation to the 2024 CMR competition in Idaho. As the most senior volunteer on Pogo’s mine rescue team, he draws from his experiences to mentor newer teammates preparing for their first competition and learning to master life-saving skills.

“I’ve been doing this for 12 years now and I’m still learning,” he said. “I tell them, ‘You’re here and you’re volunteering, that in itself is a lot.’”

Living A Career Dream