Latest news with #MarkJames

Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Andrew County earns Blue Shield designation
ANDREW COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Andrew County Sheriff's Office received the Missouri Blue Shield designation for the community's commitment to improving public safety. The Missouri Blue Shield program recognizes local governments across that state that work to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration and enhance public safety through community partnerships. Gov. Mike Kehoe established the program in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. 'The Department of Public Safety is proud to work alongside communities like the Andrew County Sheriff's Office that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing public safety,' said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety. 'This program is about fostering collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Our goal is to support these efforts, providing resources and guidance to help communities build sustainable, long-term solutions for crime reduction and public safety.' Communities that earn the Blue Shield will be reviewed annually to ensure continued commitment to the program's goals. Those with the designation will also get grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment through Gov. Kehoe's recommended state budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Webb City honored for community-law enforcement partnership
WEBB CITY, Mo. — The Webb City Police Department & the community it serves have received a high honor. We recently reported on the Joplin Police Department receiving the Missouri Blue Shield designation, now officials with Webb City PD have announced on Facebook they have also received the prestigious designation. Officials say the Blue Shield designation is awarded communities and departments who lower crime and put forth a collaborative effort with their local law enforcement. 'Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and state. It affects everything from families feeling secure to businesses having the confidence to invest and grow,' said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. 'We designed the Missouri Blue Shield Program to recognize communities that go above and beyond in creating a place where people want to live, work, and build their futures. A Missouri Blue Shield designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local governments across Missouri who are leading the way in making public safety a priority.' 'The Department of Public Safety is proud to work alongside communities like the City of Webb City, that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing public safety,' said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). 'This program is about fostering collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Our goal is to support these efforts, providing resources and guidance to help communities build sustainable, long-term solutions for crime reduction and public safety.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.