A Tribute to David A. Zegeer
1922-2012

We would like to dedicate the Sixth Edition of the Kentucky Coal Mining Reference Book to David A. Zegeer, P.E.  Mr. Zegeer has had a dramatic impact on mining, not only on the Kentucky Mining Industry, but nationally as well, and has mentored many people over his career including myself.  Mr. Zegeer began his career in Kentucky in 1946 with Consolidation Coal Company and was Division Superintendent in 1956 when Consol’s Kentucky holdings were sold to Bethlehem Steel.  He then became Manager and Division Superintendent from 1956-1977.  After retiring to Lexington and serving as a consultant, he accepted the position as Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration in 1983 where he remained until 1987.  He retired again to Lexington where he worked as a consulting engineering for the remainder of his active career.

Mr. Zegeer will always be remembered for his concern for safety and overall improvement of coal mining in this country.  He traveled throughout the world with MSHA, always touring mines wherever he went.  He has always been active in many state and national associations, including KMI.  The coal industry of Kentucky and the nation has benefited from his work in mine safety and his lifelong involvement in the coal industry.  His personal safety philosophy is embodied in “The 3 E’s – Enforcement, Engineering and Education.”

J. Steven Gardner, P.E., P.S.