Cape Girardeau police chief reflects on 11 years as chief

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – It’s a bittersweet goodbye for Cape Girardeau Police Chief Wes Blair after 11 years. Wednesday, July 24 marks his final day as top cop at the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

He spoke about his final hours on the job and the legacy he leaves behind.

“Bittersweet. That’s the word I keep using is bittersweet,” said Chief Blair. “I’m looking forward to the next opportunity. This has been my home for the last 11 years with the officers and staff here. So, it’s a little bit like leaving family too.”

Wes Blair reflects on his final hours in office and his next adventure. He announced in June he planned to leave the department to take a position at the Memphis International Airport leading the internal law enforcement organization.

“Really excited about the opportunity to continuing doing law enforcement, but doing something a little bit different,” he said.

He says his 11 years working in Cape have left a mark on him.

“Being police chief here has been a pretty amazing experience because of the community support that we have because of the incredible officers we have.”

He says he’s proud of the strides the department has made during his time…solving crimes, adding technology, forming the co-responders unit. He says nothing compares to the partnerships formed with the people of Cape.

“Just connecting with the community at large has really made a big difference in this community.”

He’s also thankful he helped the force move into a new home near Arena Park.

“The police department had been in a very dilapitated place for decades. We garnered the community support to be able to build a wonderful facility here. And nobody believed that we were able to get that done and we did. So, that’s something I’m really proud of. I’m proud to leave this department having gotten them a nice home.”

His fellow officers say he will be missed.

“It’s been great having him around,” said Officer Bobby Newton with the Cape Girardeau Police Department. “I really hate to see him go, but at the same time I’m really excited for him too. Move on from this chapter and retire and move on to a new role. I think he’s going to do a fantastic job at it. I’m excited to see what the future holds for him.”

Officer Newton says finding a replacement of Blair’s caliber won’t be easy.

“I’m excited to see who they select as our next chief. It think they have big shoes to fill. I think they’re going to fit right in whoever it may be,” said Newton.

Blair has this advice for whoever serves next as chief.

“I think my one piece of advice would be that you have an incredibly professional department with passionate and caring officers who want to do the best for the community. So make sure that your role is supporting them in doing that and getting out of their way and letting them do them do their job.”

“It’s been an amazing 11 years. We’ve gone through some hard things. We’ve gone through some difficult times. There’s been a lot of really tough stuff across our country, but know that this community really does support you. The community cares about you. I will always be very fond of the time I’ve spent here. I’ve made a lot of friends and family here and that won’t change.”

Assistant Chief Adam Glueck will serve in the interim as they look for a replacement. City Manager Kenneth Haskins says they’ve been looking for several good candidates and hope to find the next chief in the comming weeks.