Cops go beyond the call, help victim, community

Cape Girardeau police officers came to the rescue again. We are accustomed to news about law enforcement doing what they have sworn to do -- protect and serve. But when they do even more than is expected of them, we are even more appreciative. A Cape Girardeau man saw this firsthand.

The local man regularly used his bicycle to take care of his business, such as travel to work and pay bills. He had stopped to pay a bill when he was assaulted, his bike stolen and his wallet lifted by someone described as "a shaved bald white man in his late 20s or early [30s]."

We expect officers to show up at the scene, take the report and conduct an investigation. What we do not expect is for them to then offer to buy another bicycle for the victim -- but they did.

"It tugged at the officers' heartstrings a little," Cape Girardeau police chief Wes Blair told the Southeast Missourian's Ben Kleine. "They knew him and wanted him to get back on his feet." He added, "I think it kind of just speaks to the heart of how all our officers feel about the community."

That's a heartwarming story, but it gets better. Just as the officers were about to purchase the bike, Wal-Mart employees stopped the purchase and donated an 18-speed bike to the victim. The good deed initiated by Cape police sparked another good deed.

A town away, Jackson police officers also went beyond the call of duty. The department gave about $12,000 worth of clothing and toys to families in need within the Jackson School District a week before Christmas. "The community really needs to see this," police chief James Humphries said, "because without them, this wouldn't be possible."

The department has led this effort for 15 years, and Jackson banks and individuals have followed the example and gotten involved.

We cannot sufficiently thank our Cape and Jackson law enforcement for all they do every day. Going beyond what is required is an added blessing they bestow upon us that we never want to take for granted.