Herbst named Eagle Scout class sponsor

CAPE GIRARDEAU – Tony Smee, President of the Southeast Missouri Eagle Scout Association, has announced Commissioner Charles J. Herbst as the honored sponsor of the 2019 class of Eagle Scouts. Officially named the 2019 Commissioner Charles J. Herbst Class of Eagle Scouts, seventy-nine Eagle Scouts from Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois will be honored at Southeast Missouri State University on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. in Academic Auditorium.

Herbst will provide the keynote address and present the Eagle Scout medals to each Scout. The ceremony is free and open to the public, and all holders of the rank of Eagle Scout are encouraged to attend. It is estimated that less than five percent of all Scouts will ever earn the rank of Eagle. The prestigious award requires formal demonstration of leadership over several years, creating and managing a significant service project that benefits the community, and earning a minimum of 21 merit badges that require proficiencies such as first aid, environmental science, lifesaving, emergency preparedness, personal management, citizenship and outdoor skills. A lengthy formal review before a board of Eagle Scouts and community representatives is the final hurdle prior to a Scout’s elevation to the rank of Eagle.

Herbst is a native of Cape Girardeau and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 16 in 1976. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1987 with Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and completed the Southeast Missouri Law Enforcement Academy that same year. Herbst has spent his career in service of the public, both in his professional and volunteer roles. He spent 10 years performing community policing with the Cape Girardeau Police Department, receiving its Outstanding Professional Achievement Award in 1996 and a Meritorious Achievement Award from the US Attorney’s Office in 1999. After leaving the police force for private industry, Herbst was elected to the Cape Girardeau City Council, where he served from 2002 to 2010. He served as Mayor Pro-Tempore from 2008-2010. Herbst was elected 2nd District Associate Commissioner for Cape Girardeau County in 2012 and served as President of the County Commissioners Association of Missouri during the 2019-2019 term. He is a member of the Regional Homeland Security Committee.

Herbst is an active Scouting volunteer and has served in many roles, including Scoutmaster of Troop 2 in Cape Girardeau and Shawnee District Advancement Chair. He is currently President-Elect of the Southeast Missouri Eagle Scout Association, is a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. While not Scouting and enjoying his grandchildren Herbst is actively volunteering with the Cape Girardeau Noon Optimist Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, the Cape Girardeau Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Safe House for Women, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Chateau Girardeau Retirement Community. He is a member of Grace United Methodist Church and the Cape Girardeau and Jackson Chambers of Commerce.