07/12/2026
It is with heavy hearts that the Cape Girardeau Fire Department announces the passing of retired Deputy Chief Greg Hecht.
Greg served our department from January 2021 to April 2026, holding the roles of Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal and Deputy Chief. Those who worked alongside him remember him as a man of quiet humility, whose consistent optimism and ability to find good in any situation brought light to even the most difficult days.
Greg was deeply dedicated to the craft of firefighting and to lifelong learning. He pursued that dedication through continued education at the National Fire Academy, a place he had come to love as a source of renewal and inspiration for his calling. Above all, Greg believed in leading by example, and he carried that principle with him daily throughout his career.
Greg leaves a legacy of strength, humility, and unwavering commitment to those he served alongside and those he protected.
We ask that you keep the Hecht family in your thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. Though we grieve his passing, we also honor a life well lived: one dedicated to service, growth, and the wellbeing of others.
Until we meet again, rest in peace Deputy Chief Hecht.
