STATE FOP HELPS OFFICERS THROUGH FLOOD

Two Cape Girardeau police officers were the recipients of funds from the Fraternal Order of Police association to help them rebuild their flood-damaged homes.

Detective Sgt. John Volkerding was given $400 and officer Dennis Horn received $100 from a benevolent fund set up by the Missouri branch of the organization.

Both Volkerding and Horn are members of the Cape Girardeau Regional Fraternal Order of Police.

Mel Beverlin, the national trustee from the Missouri FOP, recommended that the state board set up a benevolent fund for members displaced by the recent flooding, said Cape Girardeau police officer Charlie Herbst, president of the local FOP chapter.

He received money from FOP state chapters from Alabama, Georgia and Florida."

Herbst said Beverlin then contacted him, asking if there were any members of the Cape Girardeau regional chapter in need of relief funds.

Herbst took both officers the checks Saturday afternoon.

Horn's home was not severely damaged by the flooding, but he had been forced to live elsewhere for several weeks. Once the waters receded, Horn was able to return to his home.

Volkerding fought a losing battle with floodwaters in his basement for several days before a crack in the wall gave way under the tremendous pressure.

"Sgt. Volkerding put a lot of money into the initial effort against the flood," Herbst said. "He bought generators and pumps to try and keep up."

The Volkerdings have not yet been able to move back into their home, Herbst said.

"We had all sent money and goods to disaster victims in Florida and Georgia after the hurricane hit a couple years ago," Herbst said. "Now, in our time of need, they returned the favor."