The Cape Girardeau Fire Department has the responsibility of keeping Cape residents safe. Already a trusted and efficient agency, the upcoming upgrades will lead to an even higher level of productivity.

The fire department meets both local and national standards for responding to emergency medical service calls. As assistant fire chief Mark Hasheider told the Southeast Missourian, EMS and rescue calls account for most calls -- 68 percent in 2015, making its rapid response ability invaluable. While the National Fire Protection Association reports the goal of a five-minute response, Cape firefighters respond in less than four minutes 50 percent of the time and less than seven minutes 92 percent of the time for fire calls. For EMS calls, the Cape department is on scene "in less than four minutes 41 percent of the time and less than seven minutes 88 percent of the time."

This, of course, is more important than mere numbers. These statistics are vital because of the saved lives they represent. "Life safety is our No. 1 priority," Hasheider said, adding that "there's always room for improvement." The upgrades in the works will increase the likelihood of that improvement.

Among the upgrades are a new station on Lexington Avenue to replace Fire Station No. 4, equipment, vehicles, gear and breathing apparatus. Funds have been allocated to several fire stations in need of improvements, as well.

Upgrades come at a cost to Cape taxpayers, but it is a cost they have been willing to pay throughout the years because results matter. "The cost of equipment has increased tremendously over the years," said Hasheider, adding, "It's keeping firefighters much, much safer and allowing them to do their jobs more effectively."

The Southeast Missourian appreciates the Cape Girardeau Fire Department; there's no telling how many lives it has saved with its rapid response and commitment to serve. We're all-in for upgrades that increase the odds that the already-efficient agency will become an even more efficient one. Efficiency means safer homes, safer businesses and most importantly, safer people.