FROSTBURG — Delegate Wendell Beitzel was named a Friend of Coal at the annual Maryland Coal Association Board of Directors dinner.

The award, which recognizes business leaders and local officials alike, was presented to Beitzel for his work to ensure reliable energy in Maryland.

“I am honored to be presented with this award,” Beitzel said. “Coal keeps the lights on for Maryland and food on the table for many of my constituents. I would not be doing my job as an effective legislator without supporting the very important industry.”

Mel Remington, supervisor with the Mine Safety and Health Administration, presented Michael Moore, president and general manager of Vindex Energy Corp., the 2009 Safest Mine in Maryland Award. Remington congratulated Vindex Energy and its 42 employees of the Steyer II Mine for their outstanding safety record with no fatalities and 95,044 man-hours while producing 269,502 tons of coal.

Moore also was presented the 2009 Land Reclamation Award by Ed Larrimore, mining program manager with the Maryland De-partment of the Environment. The MDE Land Reclamation Committee recognized Vindex for outstanding mine reclamation accomplishments on a 171-acre permit near Barton that was reclaimed to pasture and woodland.