BAILIFF WILSON GETS ANNUAL RUOPP AWARD

JACKSON -- Paul Wilson helped get the Timothy J. Ruopp Award started 14 years ago.

But the Cape Girardeau County bailiff never would have imagined that one day he would receive the award.

Wilson, who is retiring at the end of August, received the award Wednesday at a ceremony at the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department.

The annual award recognizes an outstanding law enforcement officer with the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department.

The award is named after Timothy J. Ruopp, a former officer of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department who was killed in the line of duty in 1984 as a member of the San Diego Police Department.

A number of Ruopp's relatives, including his parents and widow, were on hand for Wednesday's ceremony.

Wilson is the first bailiff to receive the award.

Sheriff John Jordan and former sheriff Norman Copeland also handed out the Copeland Excellence Awards. This is the fourth year for those awards.

Officer Rob Watson was honored in the field operations division for his work with the Neighborhood Watch programs in the county.

Anita Watkins was recognized in the business operations category. She is a 911 communications officer.

J.P. Mulcahy was honored for his work as a sergeant in the jail division.

Copeland also handed out an honorary award to Sgt. Leo McElrath, who recently retired from the Missouri Highway Patrol.

McElrath began his Highway Patrol career in January 1972. He was transferred to the Cape Girardeau County zone office in April 1977.

Wilson, 59, has worked for the sheriff's department since February 1984. For most of his career at the sheriff's department, he has worked as a courtroom bailiff and served court papers.

Wilson previously farmed and worked eight years as a deputy with the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department. The eight years included two as a regular deputy and six as a reserve officer.

Wilson, who lives in Cape Girardeau, said he left farming because of health problems caused by farm chemicals.

He said the bailiff's job is to provide security in the courtroom and make sure things run smoothly. Courtrooms can be tense places in criminal trials with the relatives of victims and defendants on hand. "You've got to be firm but fair with them," he said.

A few years ago in the courthouse in Jackson, a man was sentenced for murder. He became angry and shouted at the judge. The verdict also shook up the man's family.

"I went to get him," recalled Wilson. He remembers being surrounded by the man's family. "They started rioting in there. I started hitting all the panic buttons," said Wilson. Other officers responded and peace was restored to the courtroom.

But Wilson said the highlight of his career was serving as bailiff at the swearing in of Stanley Grimm as a state appeals court judge.

There's more to the bailiff's job than sitting in court. "When we are not in court we serve papers," he said. Some people don't want to accept the court papers. But Wilson said he always manages to deliver the papers. "Sometimes I throw it at them."

After he retires, Wilson plans to move to Foley, Ala. He hopes to open a camera shop and pursue his photography hobby.

Wilson, who knew Ruopp, said he was honored to receive the award.

Dudley Ruopp, the father of Timothy Ruopp, said the award helps keep the memory of his son alive. Ruopp said it is important to honor local law enforcement officers for their dedication and service.

Kathleen Ruopp, Timothy Ruopp's widow, said the award honors her husband. "It makes me feel proud. It makes my children feel proud," said Ruopp, who lives in Cape Girardeau but plans to move back to San Diego later this year.

She said the annual award is important in teaching her children about their father. "It helps them realize he was a hero."

Timothy Ruopp was 31 when he was shot down on Sept. 16, 1984.

Her brother, also a San Diego police officer, died in the line of duty six months later on March 30, 1985.

"That was pretty horrible," she said.