Respect for Law event features guest speaker Chief of Police Wes Blair

Missouri State Representative Barry Hovis introduces the guest speaker police chief Wes Blair while speaking about memories of when the two first met each other. Hovis gave his speech at the Respect for Law event hosted by The Evening Optimist Club at the VFW Banquet Hall on Thursday, May 16. (Nathan Gladden ~ ngladden@semissourian.com)

Police Chief Wes Blair gave a speech about mental health for police officers at the Respect for Law event on Thursday, May 16. The event was hosted by The Evening Optimist Club at the VFW Banquet Hall. (Nathan Gladden ~ ngladden@semissourian.com)

Patrolman Andrew Nabholz stands with Blair as he just received a Law Enforcement Award recognizing his service with the police department. (Nathan Gladden ~ ngladden@semissourian.com)

Detective Joe Thomas stands with Blair as he also received a Law Enforcement recognizing his service with Cape Girardeau police department on Thursday, May 16. (Nathan Gladden ~ ngladden@semissourian.com)

Lt. Detective Travis Sikes speaks about Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Robert Jenkins as they recognize him for his work on the force. (Nathan Gladden ~ ngladden@semissourian.com)

(Left) Sikes stands with Jenkins as they recognize for his job performance in Cape Girardeau County's Sheriff's Office. (Nathan Gladden ~ ngladden@semissourian.com)

Captain Sean Adams Introduces John Dace as they will recognize for his work with the Sheriff's Office. (Nathan Gladden ~ ngladden@semissourian.com)

(Left) Adams stands with Dace as they recogn ize him for his efforts with the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office. (Nathan Gladden ~ ngladden@semissourian.com)