Webster Township honors Don Zeeb

In memory of Don Zeeb and his important contribution to the community, a plaque will be placed at the new Dexter Area Fire Department station that is now being built in Webster Township.

On April 20, after consultation with a committee representing the Zeeb family, including Martha Zeeb, the Webster Township Board unanimously agreed to utilize funds from the Don Zeeb Memorial Fund to display a plaque at the new station, which is just to the north of township hall on Webster Church Road.

In putting forth the motion to approve the decision, township board trustee John Westman said a bronze plaque will be purchased and put in place to commemorate the service Don Zeeb provided to Webster Township and the DAFD.

Zeeb served as the Webster Township Supervisor from 1974-1997, as an Assistant Fire Chief for Ann Arbor Township and was a member of the DAFD Fire Board from 1985-1997.

The plaque will pay recognition to Zeeb, who along with other local officials, was instrumental in combining the fire services of the Village of Dexter, and adding the townships of Webster, Dexter, Scio and Lima to form an area wide department.

“This established a new relationship to coordinate the resources available to the advantage of all those participating,” the plaque will read. “And further, to acknowledge his foresight in recognizing the need and setting the goal of building a fire station located here in Webster Township to best serve the area residents.”

It will further state, “This Dexter Area Fire Department Station is a testament to the vision and dedication of Don Zeeb, and his devotion to the future needs of our community.”

It’s expected this plaque will be dedicated this year. Another part of this plan, which is expected to be decided on soon, will also include placing special flags in Zeeb’s honor at the DAFD stations.

Webster Township moved forward this past year to begin building the station, which will be the third for the DAFD and is being built to accommodate modern needs. It was years in the planning, which included the township putting aside money to pay for it. It will cost nearly $3 million.

To this day, the DAFD is made up of the city of Dexter, Dexter Township and Webster Township.

A rendering of the DAFD station Webster Township.