“Senator Byrd’s service to West Virginia and the country was invaluable in countless respects, but the coal miners of West Virginia in particular owe him a huge debt of gratitude. As a legislator, I have great admiration for his fight to ensure that mine safety regulations were both thorough and properly enforced. As UMWA District 31 International Vice President and a former coal miner, I deeply appreciate his concern for and dedication to miners both in West Virginia and throughout the country.

“Senator Byrd was the best friend the coal miner has ever had.”