Cape Girardeau Fire Department honors legacy of retired Deputy Chief

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau Fire Department announced Sunday the death of retired Deputy Chief Greg Hecht.

Hecht served with the department from January 2021 until his retirement in April 2026. During his time with the department, he served as both Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal and Deputy Chief.

In a social media post, the department remembered Hecht as a humble leader known for his optimism and dedication to the fire service.

The department said Hecht was committed to lifelong learning, regularly pursuing additional education through the National Fire Academy. Officials said he believed in leading by example and carried that philosophy throughout his career.

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department asked the community to keep the Hecht family in their thoughts and prayers.