POLICE, FIRE CHIEFS MARK FIRST YEAR ON JOB

Cape Girardeau's police and fire chiefs recently marked their one-year anniversaries. Both Police Chief Rick Hetzel and Fire Chief Dan White began their duties last January.

Both have brought a new level of professionalism to the departments and have proved to be assets to the city.

Cape Girardeau is fortunate to have such high-caliber fire and police departments. The personnel and equipment are top-notch. The result is quick and effective response in times of emergency.

White came to Cape Girardeau from Springdale, Ark., where he spent 22 years with that fire department. He actually retired there as fire chief.

Hetzel was police chief in Norcross, Ga., when he was chosen for this job. He also has 17 years of experience in the Army Criminal Investigation Division.

Both are well-suited to their jobs and the community. In addition to working to improve their departments, both have reached out to the community to help adults and children alike.

Hetzel and White seem a good fit with their departments, bringing new ideas and procedures that build on previous accomplishments. Both are advocates of the team approach, which has helped to build morale and better working relationships.

If the first year is any indication, Hetzel and White will enjoy long and productive careers in Cape Girardeau.