Several local first responders were on scene in Raleigh County yesterday to help out with the major mine disaster that has sent shock waves across the state.

Dave Maynard of the Logan Emergency Ambulance Service Authority confirmed that LEASA had several emergency workers and equipment on the scene at Performance Coal's Upper Big Branch Mine in Birchton in Raleigh County to help with the initial rescue efforts.

"We had four ambulances and a supervisor up there," Maynard said.

Maynard said LEASA is often on hand for out-of-county incidents because of agreements to provide assistance.

"We had agreements with the state to provide assistance when these kind of incidents happen. And, it is reciprocal," Maynard said.

"If it happened here it would be the same way, we would get help from other areas and that means a lot to us. Ray Bryant went, along with Curtis Workman and some others.

"We had about one paramedic, and one EMT on each ambulance and one supervisor. Ray and our crew were released and came back home with the last unit arriving around 4:30 a.m. this morning. They were there until the rescuers came in."