08-03-2025
Memorials and fundraisers honor Joplin police officers lost in the line of duty
JOPLIN, Mo. — Three years ago on this date, it was a day many Joplin area residents remember all too well. It's the day a suspect shot Joplin police officer Jake Reed and corporal Ben Cooper.
Remembering JPD's Ofc. Jake Reed and Cpl. Ben Cooper
A memorial bench was put where it happened later that year. As you can see, people still stop by and place flowers, notes, and other items by it.
Cooper was killed that day, and Reed was taken off life support the next day.
Officer Rick Hirshey was also shot and wounded by the suspect after a pursuit. Moments later, Captain William Davis fatally shot the suspect.
There have been, and there continue to be, numerous fundraisers and memorials for both Cooper and Reed.
Both men have bridges in Joplin with their names attached to them.
Bridge dedication honors Corporal Ben Cooper
There were also memorial scholarships established in both of their names.
Ones that have and continue to help Joplin area students pursue a degree in criminal justice at Missouri Southern.
Bridging Generations: Fallen Officer Jake Reed's legacy lives on
A fundraiser nine weeks from today will help those scholarship funds.
The annual 'Guns and Hoses' charity basketball game.
It's put on by Bright Futures Joplin and pits members of the Joplin Police Department against Joplin firefighters.
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