FIRE CHIEF CONCERNED ABOUT STATE ORGANIZATION

The Cape Girardeau fire chief says a state organization soliciting funds for firefighting is legitimate but not very helpful.

Local residents are receiving calls from the Missouri State Council of Firefighters requesting help to purchase smoke detectors. Chief Robert Ridgeway said money sent the council does little to benefit local residents.

"We don't need their money. Local organizations help us when we need smoke detectors," Ridgeway said.

"I don't want them here, but legally, I can't stop them," he said. "They're basically collecting money for a state firefighters union. It doesn't help Cape firefighters."

Carol Moore, an administrative secretary with the Missouri State Council of Firefighters, said Tuesday that 80 Cape Girardeau agencies and families have received smoke detectors through the council over the last three years.

She said people can call a toll-free number listed on solicitation letters to get free smoke detectors for themselves or their friends.

Ridgeway encouraged people in need of smoke detectors to call the local fire department. Firefighters there will install free smoke detectors and give advice on how to avoid fire damage.

"If you want to help local firefighters, come down to Riverfest and buy a hamburger at our stand," Ridgeway said.