OPTIMISTS HONOR POLICE OFFICERS AT RESPECT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT DAY

Greif, the Cape Girardeau police dog forced to retire after being struck by a car in March, snoozed through most of Monday's Respect for Law Enforcement Day festivities.

But his owner, trainer and former partner, Officer Dennis Horn paid attention for both as they were honored Monday by the Evening Optimist Club of Cape Girardeau for service to the community as part of the area Optimist clubs' Respect for Law Enforcement Day.

"This award is not for one person, but for partners," said Evening Optimists member Jeff Dix, who presented the award to Horn and the dog. "When you see partners on TV and in the movies, one is always is the best looking and the smarter. I can guarantee that one of the two we are honoring today is both of those."

Dix hailed Horn for being instrumental in starting a K-9 program at the Cape Girardeau Police Department and for "donating countless hours of off-duty time by taking Greif to schools and civic organizations to talk about the war on drugs."

Greif was struck by a car while chasing a man suspected of selling drugs across a street in South Cape Girardeau. Due to nerve damage, Greif lost all feeling in his left front leg, rendering him unable to work.

The dog was retired from duty and is now living with Horn. Police are in the process of acquiring a new dog, Horn said, but Greif will always have a special place in his heart and his home.

Greif limped on three legs to the podium as Horn accepted the plaque bearing his name and a medal with the dog's name inscribed on the back.

Also honored at Monday's luncheon was Cape Girardeau police officer Dan Niswonger, who was injured in a vehicle accident April 2, while working traffic control for a local marathon.

"We are not presenting (Niswonger) with this award because of the injuries he received, but rather for the years of distinguished service and the positive attitude he was shown the people of this community," said Mike Fiehler, president of the Breakfast Optimists Club.

Since the officer is still being treated in a St. Louis Hospital for severe injuries, his son Alex accepted the award.

"My dad will really appreciate this award," Niswonger said. "He will continue working once this summer is over, and is really looking forward to coming home."

A video tape of the ceremony will be sent to Niswonger at the St. Louis hospital.

Jim Lummus, an agent with the local FBI office, was recognized by the Optimist clubs a couple of years ago for 25 years of distinguished service. On Monday he was honored on the eve of his retirement.

Trooper Blaine Adams of the Missouri Highway Patrol was not present to accept his award for distinguished service. Adams is recognized in the area for the number of driving while intoxicated arrests he makes every year as well as his work in criminal investigations.

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff Norman Copeland accepted an award on the behalf of the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force for its service.

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon lauded the Optimist clubs' honorees.

"So many times people forget to say thanks to the people who get out there and work the streets every day to ensure our safety," said Nixon, keynote speaker at the luncheon. "We must remember that even the best-equipped, most well-trained law enforcement agency will falter if it does not have the support of the community.

"The number one thing on people's minds today is the rising crime rates," he said. "People are looking toward police departments, sheriff's departments and other law enforcement agencies for answers. That is a huge responsibility these people must bear."

Nixon pledged his support of local law enforcement and touted community policing projects taking root in jurisdictions all over the state. "These are the things that curb crime rates," he said. "Law enforcement agents deserve a pat on the back. Their profession is truly a courageous one."