CAPE FIREFIGHTERS GET NODS FOR THEIR SERVICE

Cape Girardeau Fire Chief Dan White presented awards to two firefighters during a special ceremony held Thursday at Cape Girardeau Fire Station No. 1.

David McLain and Capt. Steve Niswonger were recognized for exceptional service to the community during the ceremony.

White presented McLain with a certificate of appreciation from Boy Scout Explorer Post 911. The group, which consists of young girls and boys interested in topics related to firefighting and emergency service, honored McLain for his services of four years as an adult adviser.

Niswonger received the Star of Merit award, one of the highest honors bestowed on local firefighters. The recommendation to present the award came from people who work under Niswonger, and the final decision was made by an awards team of his peers, said White.

Niswonger received the award for his volunteer efforts to create and continuously upgrade a street index used by firefighters to locate houses. The index is the most accurate available to emergency personnel, "especially in regard to those odd or out-of-place addresses," said White. In fact, the accuracy is such that Niswonger has been asked to work with city officials to develop new city map guides.

Niswonger was also recognized for developing and maintaining a list of standpipe/sprinkler buildings in the city that helps firefighters control fires more quickly. His efforts were done voluntarily and without compensation, said White.

"All the department has ever given him was a ream of paper," he said. "A lot of the time spent and miles driven were on his own time doing something that he considered important to the department."