Cape Girardeau police time capsule reveals fallen officers’ badges, 1975 records

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — More than 50 years after it was sealed inside the cornerstone of the former Cape Girardeau Police Department building, a time capsule was opened Friday, revealing a glimpse into the department’s history.

Among the items recovered were four badges belonging to officers who were killed in the line of duty, a roster of police officers employed by the department in 1975 and a list of construction workers who helped build the police station at 40 S. Sprigg St.

The time capsule was placed in the building’s cornerstone in 1975 by then-Police Chief Gerecke and members of the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

The unveiling was hosted by Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri, which now owns the historic building.

Officials said the contents offered a unique look at the department’s past and honored the officers and community members who helped shape its history.