TRAPP SAYS MOVE `KIND OF A SURPRISE'

The 16 members of the Salvation Army staff will most certainly notice a difference when Capt. Elmer Trapp and his family leave later this month.

Trapp received farewell orders from the Salvation Army at the end of May. He is moving to Jefferson City.

"We've learned to love them and care for them," said Bob Cardwell of the Salvation Army. "They have done much for the Salvation Army and its people since they've been here."

Trapp and his wife, Sandra, a Salvation Army officer, have been associated with the Salvation Army since 1971. This will be their sixth move.

Trapp moved to Cape Girardeau from Hannibal in 1988.

"Sometimes circumstances cause a move," Trapp said. "This was kind of a surprise."

Transfers within the Salvation Army are decided by territorial administration. Usually the transfer moves occur about every three to five years, Trapp said.

Since arriving in Cape Girardeau seven years ago, Trapp has seen many changes at the Salvation Army.

Since 1988, the budget has almost doubled and the annual Tree of Lights campaign has grown larger. A new building was built that gives the group four times the amount of space it formerly had.

Trapp attributes this growth to meeting the needs of the community and the people who come to the Salvation Army for help.

"It's due to the fact that we are providing services and programs that people like to support," he said.

Some of those services, such as the loan-a-fan program, summer day camp and free school supplies program, are a direct result of Trapp's leadership.

"My greatest accomplishment is the conducting of a capital campaign and building a building," Trapp said.

During the capital funds campaign, Trapp helped raise more than $1 million. The new facility is at Good Hope and Sprigg streets.

"We are doing more services now and have started new programs," he said.

Trapp will take many fond memories of Cape Girardeau with him when he leaves at the end of June.

"I think one of the things that will remain in my mind is the Flood of '93," he said. "The Salvation Army got involved for about six months and the response from community and neighboring states was awesome."

When there is a need in the community, people always come to the rescue of their brother, Trapp said.

"This is an area that cares about its people and as long as there is a legitimate need, there will always be a response," he said.

Trapp thinks the Jefferson City operation will be about the same as Cape Girardeau's. The major difference will be the operation of a men's shelter, he said.

"It's a new challenge and I'll take some ideas from here and if they apply, we will so do," Trapp said.

Trapp said he and his family are excited about moving but it will be difficult to say goodbye.

"My wife and I know we're doing what God wants us to do and that brings satisfaction, even though the work might be difficult and the hours long," Trapp said.

Trapp's last day in Cape Girardeau will be June 27.

Robert Gauthier of Ohio will be replacing Trapp as the new Salvation Army captain.