Police, firefighters deserved chamber award

Congratulations to Cape Girardeau's police personnel and firefighters, properly honored with the 2002 Commitment to Excellence Award.

The recent banquet marked the first time the award has been bestowed on groups not involved in manufacturing, but the chamber of commerce recognized that these groups allow businesses to survive. Of course, post-Sept. 11 appreciation was evident in the choice, and those who attended the banquet saw a moving tribute to the public servants who died trying to get people out of a flaming, collapsing World Trade Center.

Every day, the men and women in these professions in our own communities put their lives on the line to protect us, and that deserves recognition and thanks.

The unusual award presentation also marked the beginning of a chamber of commerce practice of rotating the award among manufacturers and service groups.

This is a forward-thinking development that insures all who deserve recognition receive it over the years.