Roger Fields memorial dedicated at Cape County Park North

Monday's dedication ceremony for the new Roger Fields memorial was deemed a wonderful birthday celebration by his wife, Marsha.

Bethany Fields embraces her husband Blake during the dedication ceremony for his father, Roger Fields, memorial, Monday, Oct. 13, 2014, at the Fallen Officers Memorial at Cape County Park North. (Laura Simon)

The late Cape Girardeau assistant police chief, who died in March, would have been 51 today. More than 100 friends, family members and colleagues gathered at Cape County Park North to honor the man remembered for his good humor and dedication to the badge.

Fields started at the Cape Girardeau Police Department in 1988 and became assistant chief in 2009.

Seniors and Lawmen Together, commonly known as SALT, gathered donations and worked with Cape Girardeau County officials to construct the monument. It rests near a large American flag and a few steps away from the plaque and etched panels recognizing Southeast Missouri police officers killed in the line of duty. Fields played a significant role in creating the fallen-officers memorial, and SALT members said it seemed only fitting to place the former assistant chief's memorial nearby.

A proclamation read by Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger commended Fields for his commitment to "honoring the memory of the 48 police officers from this area who gave their life while performing their duty," as well as his "dedication to the family members of those fallen heroes."

Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger hugs Roger Fields' widow, Marsha, Monday, Oct. 13, 2014, during the dedication ceremony of the Roger Fields Memorial at the Fallen Officers Memorial at Cape County Park North. (Laura Simon)

"[Roger Fields] had an influence beyond our borders," Rediger said. "I hereby urge all the citizens of our area to honor the memory of Roger Fields with respect and appreciation for his leadership and contributions to our city and state."

Fields' memorial features a reflection bench and a rock, which many praised because of its representation of Fields' steadfastness and strength. The stone also has a plaque with a photo of Fields and a brief message on his work with SALT and his passion for law enforcement.

"Roger was the spark that ignited the flame behind the Law Enforcement Memorial and the importance of honoring the families of the fallen," the plaque says.

The bench is engraved with the SALT emblem and the phrase, "Because of Roger the badge shines brighter."

A reflection bench and boulder in memory of Roger Fields is dedicated , Monday, Oct. 13, 2014, at the Fallen Officers Memorial at Cape County Park North. (Laura Simon)

Marsha Fields said SALT members came to her for approval of the project, which she quickly granted. She also made the suggestion to unveil the memorial on her husband's birthday. The ceremony lived up to her expectations.

"Such a wonderful birthday celebration: that just about sums it all up," she said.

On a day that easily could have taken a somber tone, with overcast skies and blustering winds, the memorial ceremony remained focused on celebrating Fields and featured more smiles than tears. Public safety officials from Southeast Missouri attended the ceremony, many taking a moment afterward to take photos of the memorial and speak with Marsha Fields.

A memorial plaque adorns the front of a boulder at the Roger Fields Memorial at Cape County Park North. (Laura Simon)

She also commented on her husband's level of dedication to law enforcement and his genuine concern for honoring the memories of those who died in the line of duty.

"The law enforcement memorial tugged at his heart strings. He put so much into it ..." she said.

That's why she plans to continue championing her husband's cause. The three etched panels featured in the law enforcement memorial already are filled front and back with names, she said, so another will be needed to remember future Southeast Missouri officers.

"I plan to organize an annual fundraiser to make sure this memorial never dies," Marsha Fields said.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape County Park North, Cape Girardeau, Mo.