Local law enforcement honored during program

NOTE: This article was altered to reflect the correct date of death of police officer Albert Demortiers.

Cape Girardeau residents, local elected officials and others gathered on a rainy night to thank local law enforcement.

A program planned by the Cape Girardeau Friends of Public Safety was presented Tuesday night at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

After a flag ceremony by Eagle Scout Troop 2 and a performance by the Alma Schrader Elementary School choir, Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger read a proclamation naming it Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Cape Girardeau and urged everyone to thank officers for their service.

"We're here specifically to recognize our officers for their dedication, their commitment, and to thank them for their proactive influence in our great city," Doug Austin, a member of Cape Girardeau Friends of Public Safety, said in his opening remarks.

Bradley Smith and his wife, Debbie, with their daughter, Natalee, attend the Cape Girardeau Law Enforcement Appreciation Day program Tuesday at the Conservation Nature Center in Cape County Park North. (Fred Lynch)

Austin called attention to the many programs the Cape Girardeau Police Department has been involved with in recent years, such as Coffee With Cops, and to the education level of local officers. A large portion of the force has at least a bachelor's degree; many also have advanced degrees.

"We know you spend many hours of your precious time and energy to protect and serve, and we're in your debt," Austin said, addressing the officers.

Cape Girardeau Friends of Public Safety members Kim Voelker and Patrick Koetting presented a tribute to fallen Cape Girardeau officers.

Five officers have been killed in the line of duty in the Cape Girardeau Police Department's history: Albert Demortiers, 39, on Oct. 27, 1917; Willis Martin, 59, on Feb. 27, 1921; chief Nathaniel Hutson, 49, on Oct. 7, 1922; and Herbert Goss, 67, March 10, 1961, and Donald Crittendon, 24, on March 21, 1961, who both died as a result of wounds sustained in a March 10 shootout involving fugitives from Bakersfield, California.

Assistant U.S. attorney Larry Ferrell was the evening's keynote speaker.

"Thankfully, there are those we honor tonight, who stand as a barrier between those of us who live by the law, and those of us who live to defy the law," Ferrell said after quoting national statistics for violent and property crime.

Ferrell said public opinion has been eroded recently following the events surrounding the shooting death of Mike Brown by Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren Wilson, and offered advice to officers, urging them to conduct themselves "in an exemplary manner" and to "be a servant of the law and the people."

He said officers should avoid use of force unless necessary, and even then should use only the minimum amount of force required.

"There is no justice for Mike Brown. There is no justice for Darren Wilson. There is only justice," Ferrell said. "Justice is blind. Justice is the same for everyone. Justice is what is dictated by the facts in each situation."

Audience member Lindsay Baker of Cape Girardeau said she liked the program.

"I thought it was a great way to honor local law enforcement officers," Baker said.

"We came on the spur of the moment, and we enjoyed it immensely," audience member David Shaffer said. "Now, we have an officer friend, and we've always appreciated him. And so this was just a more formal type of appreciation, for us."

kwebster@semissourian.com

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