Fire Department Gets Trainins Assistance

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department recently presented plaques in thanks to Robert Herbst with Prudential Bridgeport Realtors, Vice President of Construction and Design Dick Meister of Isle of Capri, and Vince Kelley of Nip Kelley Company in appreciation for their assistance with fire department training efforts.

Buildings to be demolished near the future Isle of Capri Cape Girardeau casino site were used for training by area firefighters, including Cape Girardeau Fire Department staff. Firefighters were able to use the buildings to train repeatedly over a three-month period. Training topics included building construction, breaching concrete walls, search and rescue, ventilating roofs, and using ladders.

"Opportunities for realistic, hands-on training for our personnel is essential to maintain and improve our knowledge, skills and abilities," said Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Ramsey. "Without a permanent training facility, acquiring vacant structures suitable for training is the best way to achieve this."

Two of the donated homes were used by the Cape Girardeau Fire Department to conduct a residential fire sprinkler effectiveness demonstration in a side-by-side comparison. Local builders and community officials were on hand to witness the demonstration.

"I'm just glad the structures were put to such good use before being torn down," said Meister.

Herbst scheduled structure availability and Kelley scheduled demolition plans according to fire department training needs.