Cape fire tax panel re-forms as Friends of Public Safety

As Cape Girardeau City Councilman Wayne Bowen pointed out, firefighters and police officers sometimes can operate in isolation, unaware of how much residents depend on and respect them.

That's one of the many reasons the Cape Girardeau Committee to Continue the Fire Tax re-formed to become the Cape Girardeau Friends of Public Safety. The group formed last fall and led an informational campaign supporting the one-eighth-cent tax for public safety equipment and infrastructure funding, which was up for voter renewal in November. The tax was approved.

"The committee to continue the fire tax last fall was a great experience for all of us involved, working to support the fire department and indirectly, the police department," said Bowen, council liaison for the group. "It grew beyond our initial expectations in the support we got and the success of the vote. It was gratifying to see that continued support for the city."

That level of public interest and the insight committee members gained into the day-to-day work of police and fire officials encouraged the group to discuss ways to "keep the momentum going," Bowen said. Through the committee to support the fire tax Facebook page, he said the group received sometimes thousands of responses to stories or posts and answered questions about department roles, efficiency and funding.

Committee member Doug Austin said it seemed only natural the group continue working to support public safety officials and establish a stronger connection between local departments and the public. He described the small leadership group as a "grassroots, citizen-led" effort.

"I'm really excited about this. Obviously, I'm a fan of Cape Girardeau, big time," he said. "... It is the best committee I've ever served on in my entire life."

The newly re-formed group remains in its early organizational stages, but has some big ideas. Austin said members were quick to offer ideas and assistance at the first meeting Monday, and he expects their dedication will pay off when the Cape Girardeau Friends of Public Safety hosts its first event April 21. Final details are in the works, but the Law Enforcement Appreciation Day event will be at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

"We want to pay proper honor and homage to our police officers here in Cape," Austin said. Special recognition will be given to local officers who died in the line of duty, he added.

People can expect other events, including an appreciation day for firefighters, to follow, Austin said.

Those interested in learning more about the Cape Girardeau Friends of Public Safety may visit facebook.com/CGCTCFT. Bowen said the group is working on ways to get more people involved and encourages people to reach out to the group.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.