NEW CAPE FIRE CHIEF WILL START MARCH 15

Cape Girardeau's new fire chief is expected to arrive next week to prepare for his first day on the job, March 15, a city official said Wednesday.

Earlier, it was thought Chief Robert Ridgeway might assume his new duties on March 1.

But City Manager J. Ronald Fischer said Ridgeway had some personal affairs to take care before he comes to Cape Girardeau.

Ridgeway's family will remain in Mashpee, Mass., until later this year. "He has a house there, and he wants to help his wife get everything in order since they will be staying there until later in the year," Fischer said.

"His main concern right now is the personal care of his family."

Fischer said Ridgeway will be staying in an apartment until his family arrives.

Ridgeway will replace Fire Chief Gene Hindman, who retired Oct. 1, 1992. Assistant Fire Chief Max Jauch has been serving as acting chief.

Ridgeway is the first fire chief in Cape Girardeau hired outside the department.

He is a 30-year veteran firefighter, and most recently has been fire chief of the Mashpee Fire Department, near Cape Cod.

Ridgeway is a graduate candidate of the University of New Haven, Conn., with a master's degree in fire science and technology.

He is also a graduate of the National Fire Service Academy at Emmitsburg, Md., and has taught courses at the academy in the past as a member of the facility.

Ridgeway was in Cape Girardeau in early February to meet with Fischer and other city officials to prepare for his arrival at the fire department.