BULLETPROOF VEST DRIVE WORTHY OF CITY SUPPORT

In some national comparisons, Missouri ranks near the top. But not all those top rankings are desirable. Some are dreadful. For example, Missouri ranks seventh in the nation in officer deaths. Nearly 500 have been killed in the line of duty. It's a chilling statistic that warrants our attention.

There's not much individuals can do about the easy access of guns. But we can help protect our officers on the streets by supporting the bulletproof vest campaign. Spearheading this recent drive is the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Regional Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 33.

Cape Girardeau has the largest police force in the region. And it is the only area department that does not provide vests for its officers. Cost plays a big factor. At an average price of $450 per vest, it will cost at least $15,000 to outfit the more than 60 Cape Girardeau police officers. Each vest must be fitted to ensure maximum protection.

The Jaycee drive to outfit the Cape Girardeau Police force with bulletproof vests is not new. But past efforts have fallen short in terms of community support. A recent drive began last March raised $4,000 - far short of the $12,000 goal. That's why this campaign will be more publicized.

These police officers put their lives on the line each day. The growing drug trade often accompanies a rise in the use of weapons. When officers put on a badge, they are often the target of assault, injury or even death. Police need protection.

On the other hand, there's not a lot of extra revenue to go around in many governmental departments. And it's not as if police officer salaries are generous enough to pay for every necessity - although many of the officers have paid for their own vests. Average salaries for patrolmen range from $18,996 to $24,696, according to the city budget. Although higher than many area departments, it's still low considering many have college degrees as well as 320 hours of police training.

The Jaycees see the fund drive as a way to repay officer dedication - a way to show appreciation for their risking their lives to ensure our safety. This support is a sound demonstration of civic responsibility.

While metropolitan areas may be more dangerous for officers, Southeast Missouri is not immune. In 1985, a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer from Perryville was killed in the line of duty near Biehle. A sheriff's deputy in Perryville was shot and wounded in January. Over the years, five Cape Girardeau Police officers were shot and killed in the line of duty. Guns and criminals, an often deadly combination, are among us.

Once the campaign goal is reached and the officers have been outfitted with the new vests, the city of Cape Girardeau has agreed to earmark $5,000 annually for vest maintenance.

These steel-plated vests should stop or significantly slow the penetration of a bullet fired from most handguns. They are not a guarantee, but they are solid protection. These officers, who patrol the streets to ensure our safety, deserve no less.