April 9 – Sedalia has been named one of the first 15 communities in Missouri to earn the Missouri Blue Shield designation, a recognition of our city’s ongoing commitment to public safety, law enforcement support, and sustainable community partnerships.
Announced by Governor Mike Kehoe, the Blue Shield Program is part of the Governor’s Safer Missouri initiative, introduced in his first executive order (Executive Order 25-03). The program honors communities that go above and beyond in supporting public safety and makes them eligible for competitive state grant funding to enhance law enforcement training and equipment.
This July, Sedalia will be eligible to apply for a portion of the $10 million in state funding the Governor has proposed. These resources will help ensure local officers have the tools, training, and support they need to serve our community—making Sedalia a safer, stronger place for all.
Chief of Police David Woolery credited Cpl. AJ Silvey, a veteran of the Sedalia Police Department with 18 years of service, for leading Sedalia’s application effort. “Without Cpl. Silvey’s dedication and determination, this recognition wouldn’t have been possible,” said Chief Woolery. “He not only completed our application, but also supported three other departments in doing the same. That kind of collaboration is what strengthens not just our city, but our entire state.”
Governor Kehoe emphasized the broader impact of the initiative: “We are proud to see Missouri communities committed to supporting our administration’s top priority – improving public safety and building strong partnerships between citizens and law enforcement.”
The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) is administering the Blue Shield Program and continues to accept applications. Jurisdictions interested in applying should submit materials online in coordination with their chief law enforcement officer.
Among the Blue Shield designation eligibility criteria are: Passage of a resolution demonstrating a commitment to public safety, including to reduce violent crime within the jurisdiction;
Extraordinary investments in public safety funding;
Community policing initiatives or local partnerships to invest in and/or improve public safety;
Law enforcement officer recruitment and retention program;
Demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crime or innovative programs that attempt to reduce crime;
Participates in regional anti-crime task forces, or a commitment to be a willing partner with these in the future; and
Compliance with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements and other related statutes.
Blue Shield counties, cities, and towns must maintain their commitments each year to retain the Blue Shield designation via annual reporting on their ongoing efforts to support public safety to DPS. Once local governments are approved for a Blue Shield designation, they will receive a public relations toolkit to showcase their community’s commitment to public safety.
Sedalia joins a distinguished list of communities leading the charge to make Missouri safer: Jefferson County, Arnold, Warrensburg, Carter County, Miller County, Kennett, Branson, Desloge, Johnson County, Cole County, Grandview, Vinita Park, Greenwood, and Town and Country.
As more cities across Missouri earn this designation, the shared commitment to safety and collaboration builds a brighter, more secure future for all Missourians.
