NEW TRAINING CENTER WILL AID COMMUNITY'S SAFETY

Comprehensive training is the foundation of any top-notch police and fire departments. That training depends on accomplished teachers and suitable equipment. A well-trained police officer or fireman goes beyond a matter of pride. It is an issue of community safety.

To that end, area citizens should feel gratified about plans to develop a new police and fire training center in Cape Girardeau. This project will be realized through a generous $25,000 gift by Boatmen's Bank in Cape Girardeau.

The facility will provide an opportunity for a regular schedule of hands-on training that is not now available to the fire department. The department plans to build three structures on the property: a smoke building, a drafting pit and a burn pit. Firemen can also use the site for training on the aerial ladder truck and emergency extrication.

The police department will use the site as a firearms range. With the new facility, officers will be able to receive more frequent handgun training. Constant training is essential to keep firearms skills intact.

The center couldn't come at a better time. The department's previous handgun range will soon be defunct. Its land on Highway 74 was recently purchased by a developer, and is on the market.

The training center will not only benefit Cape Girardeau's fire and police departments, but the entire region. The site will be made available to other agencies, including the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department, Jackson Police and Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Public Safety.

Bankers are expert at helping people with their investment needs. With this donation, Boatmen's Bank has made a tangible investment in our community's safety.

Cape Girardeau has a fire and police department of which we can all be proud. This new center will help ensure a high level of quality training for our dedicated public servants.