ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF NAMED CHIEF

Assistant fire chief Max Jauch will become acting fire chief of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department July 26.

Jauch will take over the duties of outgoing fire chief Robert Ridgeway, who is leaving to take a similar position in Gastonia, N.C.

"I'm going to keep the department running in the direction it's running now," Jauch said. "We're a positive, progressive department."

Jauch, who has worked for the Cape Girardeau Fire Department for 24 years, cited the first-responder calls that the fire department initiated about three years ago as an example of progressive actions taken by the department under Ridgeway.

"The calls have been well received by the citizens of Cape Girardeau," Jauch said.

In that program, the fire department responds first any time an ambulance is called. Department personnel are usually the first on the scene since there are four fire stations, and they provide basic life support until an ambulance arrives.

Jauch pointed out that he has served as acting chief previously. "It's an enjoyable job," he said. "I'm happy they chose me to serve again."

City manager Michael Miller said Jauch was the obvious choice for acting fire chief. "Max has previously served in this capacity and has the experience and abilities we need during this transitional time," Miller said. "The city of Cape Girardeau is fortunate to have him."

Miller said Jauch will serve as fire chief until a replacement for Ridgeway is found. Miller said that the city will begin advertising soon for a chief. He said applications will be accepted from within the department as well as from outside.