FIREFIGHTING DONATIONS PAY OFF FOR ENTIRE REGION

What happens to well-used firefighting equipment in Cape Girardeau? It is recycled donated to smaller fire departments in the region. It's all part of a long-standing helping tradition in Cape Girardeau that pays back in mutual aid from these neighboring departments.

Last week's recipient was the Zalma Rural Volunteer Fire Department. It received a 1967 American LaFrance fire engine that has served Cape Girardeau well. Although the truck is 26 years old, Zalma fire officials were all smiles. They said the truck will be a big step up in fire protection, providing more pumping capacity and dependability.

The department depends entirely on donations for its operations, and could not otherwise afford a dependable used fire engine.

The Zalma department was organized in 1986 with one 1952 fire truck and a dozen volunteers. The department has now grown to three vehicles and 18 firefighters. It serves 118 residents within an eight-mile radius of the city.

This is not the first time Cape Girardeau has helped out a smaller department. It represents at least the fifth donation in the last three decades or so.

These donations not only help these smaller and more rural departments, but they help Cape Girardeau as well. When a major fire strikes in Cape Girardeau, these neighboring departments provide important backup through mutual aid.

Not only does the Cape Girardeau Fire Department share equipment, but it shares expertise as well. A regional fire library established in the early 1980s has grown into one of the top training libraries in the state. In the next 5-10 years, there are plans to establish a regional fire training academy that would provide professional education at the local level.

We agree with Cape Girardeau Fire Chief Bob Ridgeway that sharing of equipment and training just makes good sense for everyone. When a major fire strikes, it's good to have well-trained neighbors who can lend a helping hand.