Cape Girardeau Fire Department’s new deputy chief brings can-do attitude to new role

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Everyone in the fire service has their “why,” and for Greg Hecht, his came 25 years ago when he was involved in a burn incident. 

“I still remember the comfort I had when I finally heard the sirens and the guys arrived,” Hecht said. “I always thought if I could ever be that for somebody, then I could be worth something. I like to think I’ve done that for somebody over the years.” 

After just over two years at the Cape Girardeau Fire Department and over 20 years total in the fire service, Hecht took over as the department’s new deputy chief on March 4.

He said things have gone relatively smoothly. 

“I’ve always looked at as the higher rank you achieve, the more people you serve,” he said. “I’m here for the guys. That’s the way I look at it. So, if the guys are happy, then I consider that a successful day.” 

And as it turns out, Hecht’s youngest son, Adam, is in the fire department’s Firefighter 1 and 2 class. 

Hecht said his boy has the heart of a firefighter. 

“He’s got a servant’s heart, and I believe that’s what makes the best firefighter, you’ve got a servant’s heart, and that’s what we’re here to do,” Hecht said.

And so, with a servant’s heart and a can-do attitude, Hecht has taken this new role head-on. 

“No matter what role I’ve been in, from firefighter into this position, I want to, number one, excel at the position I’m in and be the best for the people I have with me,” he said.