DGL’s Ben Plowman Honored as Maumee’s 50th Hometown Hero

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DGL’s Ben Plowman Honored as Maumee’s Hometown Hero

At DGL Consulting Engineers, we take pride in the contributions our team members make, not only in the engineering world but also in the communities we serve. This is just one reason why we are so excited to celebrate Ben Plowman, for receiving the Maumee Chamber of Commerce’s Hometown Hero Award.

What is the Hometown Hero Award?

The Maumee Chamber of Commerce’s Hometown Hero Award is given to an individual who has gone above and beyond and demonstrated either a heroic action, humanitarian effort of significant compassion for the residents of Maumee.

An Engineer and a Humanitarian

Since joining DGL in 2019, Ben has been an integral part of our transportation and construction engineering teams. Ben exemplifies the Professional Engineer's creed: to advance public health, safety, and welfare through his expertise. Every day, Ben works to make our roads and bridges safer, embodying this commitment in his career.

Ben’s dedication doesn’t stop there. As a Structures Specialist with FEMA’s Ohio Task Force 1 (OH-TF1) and Michigan’s Urban Search and Rescue team, he plays a crucial role in disaster response efforts. He has deployed to some of the most disaster-stricken areas, assessing infrastructure damage, ensuring safe passage for rescue workers, and providing critical expertise in emergency situations.

Over the years, Ben has lent his engineering skills to communities affected by natural disasters, including:

  • Hurricane Laura (2020) – Evaluating bridge safety and stability in Louisiana

  • Hurricane Ian (2022) – Ensuring access for rescue teams in Florida

  • Hurricanes Helene & Milton (2024) – Assessing overtopped bridges in Cherokee, North Carolina

Beyond his engineering and rescue efforts, Ben gives back to his local community through mentorship, leadership and positive influence. As a certified varsity wrestling official with the Ohio High School Athletic Association, he has spent nearly a decade supporting student athletes. An athlete himself, Ben holds a brown belt in Judo and is a lifetime member of the United States Judo Federation.

A Passion for Engineering and Community

Ben’s passion for civil engineering was ignited as a junior at Maumee High School, watching the demolition of the old Maumee-Perrysburg Bridge from his father’s canoe. Today he carries that passion into his work at DGL, working on critical infrastructure projects and mentoring young engineers.

During his acceptance speech at the 50th Annual Hometown Hero Awards Banquet, Ben expressed his gratitude:

“Thank you, Maumee Chamber of Commerce. A man is defined by what he does, what he thinks, and who he associates with. No man has gotten to where he is alone regardless of talent or how skillful he is. I am honored and proud to be among the distinguished guests gathered tonight. I feel lucky to be in the humanitarian spotlight; This is quite an honor for me.”

Supporting Excellence On and Off the Job

At DGL, we believe that the best engineers are those who are committed to their communities, both professionally and personally. Ben Plowman exemplifies this ideal, and we are privileged to support him in his work with FEMA OH-TF1 and our community.

Congratulations, Ben, on this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication to engineering and humanitarian service makes a lasting impact on those around you, and we are proud to have you on Team DGL!