Police sergeant to retire after 35 years on force

Sgt. Cark Eakins will retire Thursday, ending a nearly 35-year career with the Cape Girardeau police department. The man known to colleagues as simply "the Sarge" will be sorely missed and difficult to replace, said police chief Carl Kinnison. At a retirement party for Eakins at Cape First on Silver Springs Road, Eakins' wife Donna recalled times when her husband would sacrifice his Christmas vacation to allow younger officers the chance to spend the holidays with their families. An avid hunter, Eakins never turned down vacation time during deer season, however, Donna Eakins said. His wife described him as "the man behind the scenes." "He doesn't like the limelight," she said. Cpl. Dennis J. Horn will replace Eakins as the platoon C sergeant, Kinnison said. The change will be effective Saturday. Eakins said he plans on enjoying his retirement working on his farm and spending time with family members. "And, of course, there's deer season," Eakins said.