Latest news with #MissouriBlueShieldProgram
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Carthage checking off requirements for ‘Missouri Blue Shield Program'
CARTHAGE, Mo. — Members of the Carthage City Council approve a resolution that affirms the support of the city's public safety. The resolution is one of many steps needed to qualify for the Missouri Blue Shield Program. The program is a state initiative, put in place by Governor Mike Kehoe, and recognizes the commitment Missouri city governments have for public safety and the reduction of violent crime. Once Carthage has met all the requirements, the police department will then be eligible to apply for state funding for training and equipment. 'There has to be a lot of interaction with your community. You have to show certain upgrades to either equipment, personnel, training, all those things. Plus, you must also show that you work with the community. For example, a citizen's police academy and various other programs that we do,' said Carthage Police Chief, Bill Hawkins. A number of area departments have already earned the designation, including Joplin, Jasper County, and Newton County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Joplin police awarded Blue Shield state designation
The Joplin Police Department has been awarded Blue Shield designation by the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The program was created by Gov. Mike Kehoe in January to recognize local governments that make significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration and build stronger community partnerships for public safety. Joplin police Chief Richard Pearson obtained City Council approval in April to apply for the program. Acceptance into the program will make the department eligible to apply for grants from a $10 million funding allocation approved by the Missouri Legislature. It is anticipated that funding will be available in July, state officials previously said. The Missouri Department of Public Safety will administer the program. '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,' Kehoe said when introducing the program. '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 Joplin that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing public safety,' said Mark James, director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, said in a statement. '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.' Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez said of the program, 'We recognize the commitment of our police officers to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens through proactive patrols, community engagement and emergency response. This is a great honor to receive this designation from our state officials and will provide opportunities for grant applications focused on funding for law enforcement training and equipment.' Communities are eligible for the designation based on efforts to reduce crime, make substantial investments in public safety and develop collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Each participating community's commitment will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program's goals. Among the efforts of Joplin police that brought about acceptance as a Blue Shield agency is the department's collaboration with residents through the Joplin Police Department's Citizens Advisory Committee, its ongoing outreach efforts into neighborhood policing, the establishment of a new Co-Responder Unit partnership with Ozark Center, and the work of the Flex Platoon targeting illegal drugs in the area, according to city officials.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
JPD officially receives Missouri Blue Shield designation
JOPLIN, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Public Safety has awarded the Joplin Police Department with the Blue Shield designation — a distinguished recognition. Officials say the Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Govenor Mike Kehoe in January, recognized local governments making significant efforts in building a sense of collaboration between itself and the community it serves, as well as reducing crime. JPD seeks community support to curb crime in 2025 '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 Governor 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.' Local officials praised the JPD for their efforts that led to the designation. 'We recognize the commitment of our police officers to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens through proactive patrols, community engagement, and emergency response,' said Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez. 'This is a great honor to receive this designation from our state officials and will provide opportunities for grant applications focused on funding for law enforcement training and equipment.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
Jasper County earns Missouri Blue Shield designation
JASPER COUNTY, Mo. — Officials announced Tuesday that Jasper County, Mo. has been granted the Missouri Blue Shield Designation. The Jasper County's Sheriff's Office says the Missouri Blue Shield Program is a prestigious honor only received by areas with a steadfast commitment to supporting law enforcement and enshrining public safety as a value. Joplin's old Freeman Hospital set for demolition; How much will it cost? Jasper County officials discuss Joplin road district finances Racist flyers hit Miami neighborhoods KSN's Jessica Schaer welcomes baby Colter on Good Friday Four State legend Hank Rotten Jr. passes away The Missouri Blue Shield Designation program was created in 2025 by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe through Executive Order 25-03, it recognizes local governments that make significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration, and build strong community partnerships for public safety. 'Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and state. It affects everything fromfamilies feeling secure to businesses having the confidence to invest and grow. 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,' said Governor Mike Kehoe. Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser says he is pleased with this recognition, noting that without a strong working relationship with leaders in the criminal justice system, the designation would not be possible. 'We work very hard every day to ensure our community remains safe and secure. I am grateful for the positive recognition of a job well done,' said Sheriff Kaiser. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
