Mark began his mining career in 1976 and began his mine rescue career in 1978 with training. His first National Metal & Non-Metal mine rescue competition was in 1984 and he has participated in several national and regional contests since.

During Mark’s last 39 years, he has encountered and dealt with mine events including fires, roof falls, gas, water, structural failures, electrical hazards, and victim recovery. Mark has not only trained and served on various mine rescue positions, but also served as the company representative at the command center during mine rescue work.

During his career, he has lead efforts to improve mine rescues teams, including the increasing of resources, motivation, involvement, and training at several different Carmeuse underground operating sites. His latest involvement was in 2010 when he served as the Carmeuse representative at the command center for an underground fire evacuation and mine recovery.

Mark continues to support the growth and improvement of mine rescue in the Southeast Region. Because of his support to mine rescue the growth of teams in the Southeast Region has grown from two mine rescue teams to thirteen teams in the past 10 years. Mark and his wife Judy attend all the local and regional.