Cape Girardeau Fire Department: 5 Shocking Updates On Budget, New Stations, And The Chief's Profile
The Cape Girardeau Fire Department (CGFD) is currently at the center of several critical financial and operational discussions as of late 2025, marking a pivotal period in its long history of service. The department, which was officially organized in 1866, is grappling with significant budget overages and intense negotiations with the local fire union, all while planning for major capital improvements, including a feasibility study for a new fire station.
This article provides the most up-to-date look at the CGFD, focusing on the latest developments in its budget, staffing initiatives, and the leadership profile of the men and women who protect the city’s over 38,000 residents.
The CGFD Command Staff and Department Profile
The Cape Girardeau Fire Department operates under a modern command structure, leading a dedicated force of sworn personnel and civilian employees across four strategically located fire stations. The department is tasked with a wide array of responsibilities, including fire suppression, crash rescue, technical rescue, and emergency medical services (EMS) response within the city limits.
CGFD Leadership and Key Personnel
- Fire Chief: Randy Morris, Jr.
- Deputy Chief: Greg Hecht
- Battalion Chief: Matt Mittrucker
Organizational Structure at a Glance
- Total Personnel: 62 sworn personnel and 4 civilian employees.
- Number of Fire Stations: 4 stations (including the Downtown Headquarters at 1 S Sprigg ST and Station 2 on South Mount Auburn Road).
- Department Establishment: Officially organized in 1866, with mentions of fire protection dating back to 1823.
- Primary Service Area: Over 38,000 residents in the City of Cape Girardeau.
The Financial Firestorm: Union Negotiations and Budget Overages
One of the most pressing and unique issues facing the CGFD in late 2024 and 2025 involves its financial stability and ongoing negotiations with the fire union. The City of Cape Girardeau has been transparent about significant personnel expenditure overages within both the Fire and Police Departments (CGPD and CGFD).
The $2 Million Budget Deficit
In a major update to the public, the City revealed that fire personnel expenditures have exceeded approved budgets by more than $2 million between 2021 and 2025. This is a staggering figure that highlights the financial pressures on the department. The overages reached an excess of $700,000 in 2024 alone, necessitating a serious re-evaluation of the department’s compensation structure and staffing models.
Union Requests and City Concessions
The negotiations center on several key requests from the Fire Union, which the city has detailed publicly. These requests, if granted, would add a substantial annual cost to the city’s budget.
- Captains & Captain/Paramedics: The Union has requested an additional $255,379 annually for these ranks.
- Cadets, Firefighters, and Drivers: Specific salary and benefit increases are also being negotiated for these essential personnel.
The City's position is that while it values its personnel, the financial reality of the budget overages must be addressed to ensure long-term fiscal health. These intense discussions are a critical focus for the City Council and the department's administration heading into the 2025 fiscal year.
Future Focus: New Fire Station and Advanced Training Initiatives
Despite the current budget challenges, the Cape Girardeau Fire Department is actively planning for the future, with two major initiatives set to define its operational capabilities over the next few years: the potential construction of a new fire station and a significant push for higher medical certifications among its personnel.
Feasibility Study for a New Fire Station
A key initiative outlined in the Fire Services 2025 Budget Overview is the commencement of a feasibility and design study for a new Fire Station. This project is part of the department’s long-term capital improvements program (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2025-2030, indicating a strategic effort to improve response times and coverage across the growing City of Cape Girardeau.
The study will assess the best location and necessary resources for the new facility, aiming to provide enhanced fire protection and emergency services to underserved areas of the city. This commitment to infrastructure development demonstrates the city’s dedication to modernizing its emergency management capabilities.
Elevating Medical Response Capabilities
The CGFD is placing a strong emphasis on continuous training and professional development, particularly in the realm of emergency medical services. As detailed in the Mayor’s 2024 Year in Review, the department successfully had one Firefighter EMT obtain their Paramedic certification. Furthermore, four other firefighters began EMT training in 2024, signaling a clear departmental goal to increase the number of personnel with advanced medical credentials.
This focus on Paramedic certification is vital for improving the quality of pre-hospital care provided to residents. By elevating the medical training of its firefighters, the department ensures that the first responders arriving on the scene—whether for a fire, crash rescue, or medical emergency—have the highest level of life-saving skills. This strategic investment in human capital is a major component of the CGFD’s operational plan.
Operational Entities and Community Engagement
Beyond the major financial and infrastructure news, the Cape Girardeau Fire Department remains focused on its core mission and community outreach. The department’s daily operations are extensive, requiring coordination across various city entities and specialized teams.
Daily Operations and Specialized Teams
The CGFD’s apparatus roster includes specialized units like Rescue 1, a 2017 Rosenbauer Commander walk-around, which is essential for technical rescue operations. The department's four stations—Downtown (South Sprigg), West (South Mount Auburn Road), and others—ensure comprehensive coverage for the city’s geographic area.
The administrative staff, including the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, and a Fire Marshal, work to coordinate the Annual Training Plan for the entire department, ensuring all firefighters meet the rigorous standards required for modern firefighting and emergency response.
Bylaw Updates and Community Safety
The 2025 budget also includes a focus on updating fire-related bylaws. These updates are crucial for maintaining public safety standards, especially concerning burn regulations and fire codes within the city. The department regularly issues burn notices, such as the "It's Okay to Burn Today" notices, to keep the community informed about current safety conditions and regulations.
The department’s commitment to health and safety is not limited to the public; it is also a key focus for its own staff, as highlighted in the upcoming initiatives for 2025. This holistic approach to safety is a hallmark of effective fire protection services.
The Road Ahead for Cape Girardeau Fire Department
The Cape Girardeau Fire Department is navigating a complex period defined by high-stakes union negotiations and ambitious plans for expansion. The $2 million expenditure overage is the most significant immediate challenge, requiring careful fiscal management and resolution with the fire union to ensure fair compensation while maintaining budgetary responsibility.
However, the proactive steps toward a new fire station feasibility study and the continued investment in advanced Paramedic and EMT training paint a picture of a department committed to improving its service delivery. As the city grows, the CGFD is poised to meet the increasing demand for emergency services, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of public safety in the Cape Girardeau community.
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