Local firefighters honored during program Tuesday evening

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department was celebrated Tuesday at the first Firefighter Appreciation Day event, where the community gathered to say thank you to those who risk their lives to help others.

"Today, we get so wrapped up in what we're trying to do and we think we're so busy. We simply do not take the time out to say 'thank you,'" said Doug Austin, a member of Cape Girardeau Friends of Public Safety. "And what a tragedy it is that we would allow that to happen. And we do not want that to happen in Cape Girardeau, and that's the reason for tonight."

The group, which also organized Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in April to honor local officers, hosted the event at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center's auditorium, which was filled with firefighters, their families and members of the public.

The event included a flag ceremony from Boy Scout Troop 5, bag piper Laurel McClelland and songs from the Alma Schrader Elementary School choir. Mayor Harry Rediger also read a proclamation, officially declaring Oct. 6 Firefighter Appreciation Day in Cape Girardeau.

One of the job requirements listed for a firefighter, Austin said, is the ability to perform difficult tasks under strenuous conditions.

Capt. Dean Lynn, retired after 33 years of service, chats after being recognized during the Cape Girardeau Firefighter Appreciation Day program Tuesday at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. (Glenn Landberg)

"We know that you spend many hours of your precious time and energy and talents to protect and serve, and we thank you," he said.

Tribute also was paid to retirees from the department, including captain Dean Lynn, who served 33 years; captain Ray Warner, who also served 33 years; and master firefighter Harry Schumer, who served at the department for 28 years.

Fire chief Richard Ennis was the event's featured speaker and gave background on National Fire Prevention Week, which began Sunday. He also listed things firefighters appreciate, with the first being able to serve others.

"Firefighters don't just provide services. We are proud to say we deliver services, and that's an important distinction," he said. "Anytime, anywhere, under any conditions, we will deliver services to you where they're needed."

Firefighters today are not just firefighters, he added. They also serve as emergency medical technicians, paramedics, hazardous materials technicians and rescue technicians.

Laurel McClellard plays the bagpipe during the beginning of the Cape Girardeau Firefighter Appreciation Day program Tuesday at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. (Glenn Landberg)

"You name it, from emergency, life-threatening situations to helping an elderly person off the bathroom floor and back to bed, firefighters epitomize what service delivery is all about," he said.

Firefighters also appreciate the challenges and excitement of the job and the camaraderie that is created through working together, he said. And firefighters appreciate earning a living doing something they love.

"Firefighters appreciate the level of public trust, respect and admiration that we consistently receive," he said. "Nationally and locally, firefighters are consistently among the top in public polls and surveys regarding such topics. We believe we've earned this status because of all the things that we do and all the things we appreciate doing and all things that we enjoy doing. And we will always strive to maintain that reputation."

Firefighters are humble, Ennis said, "But to be honest, we appreciate being appreciated. We appreciate your support on a day-to-day basis. We appreciate a simple word of thanks. We appreciate homemade cookies being dropped by the fire station. And we appreciate events like this."

Patrick Koetting, a member of the event's planning committee, gave closing remarks and thanked the firefighters for their service.

"It takes a brave person to be a firefighter," he said.

klamb@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.