Steve Setzer began his mining career in September of 1978 and has held several roles in the mining industry since that date.   After joining the mine rescue team in September of 1991 he has held the role as an alternate, gas man, co-captain, 1st aid, captain, and trainer. He has been captain for The Doe Run Company’s maroon team for 17 years and trainer for 7.
His passion for mine rescue runs deep and you can tell when you see his list of achievements. His teams have won the Missouri regional 10 times including 5 consecutive wins from 2005 – 2010. He has helped win regionals in Kansas, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico, Kentucky, New York, Georgia, and also competed in the 2010 International Mine Rescue Contest in Wollongong Australia.

Not only has Steve been a member of the Doe Run Maroon team, he has also contributed  as President of the Missouri Mine Rescue Association, National Rules Committee member, Inaugural Vice President in Holmes Mine Rescue Association, and Vice President in the United States Mine Rescue Association.

In his 17 years as captain, Steve has helped lead the Maroon team win two National titles in 2010 and 2014. He has been involved with several incidents in his mine rescue career including aiding in the rescue of 3 trapped miners behind a fire with a portable hoist through a borehole in 2010. He and his team also assisted with the inundation recovery of his facility. He has always been quick to help out where it is needed and never met a stranger. He has been very instrumental in the training and promotion of the UMR School of Mines, Mine Rescue teams.

Steve not only wins contest, He sets the bar for his team and all other teams across the Nation. He has been a good friend and uses common sense on our Rules Committee and the J A Holmes Mine Rescue Association. He is competitive but always willing to help with his Expertise in the field of mine rescue.
On top of all of this, Steve still manages to help teach mine rescue to other miners, be a father, grandfather, friend, team member, and maintain one of the best hair styles! (AKA Leprechaun).