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Kennett City officials highlight Missouri Blue Shield police designation, honor street department for storm response
Summary
City officials announced Kennett received the Missouri Blue Shield designation and presented a certificate to the street department for stormwater response; officials said the designation may help the police department compete for grants.
Kennett City officials used a recent city meeting to highlight two recognitions: the police department’s Missouri Blue Shield designation and a certificate of appreciation presented to the street department for its stormwater response.
The city’s recognition of the police department stems from a resolution the city signed about a month earlier to pursue the designation. "This prestigious honor recognized Missouri communities and demonstrates a steadfast commitment of enhancement public safety and supporting law enforcement," said Speaker 2, a city official, who announced the designation to the meeting. The official said Kennett is "one of the first 15 cities" to receive the designation and added that the Blue Shield designation will assist the police department when applying for grants.
The Missouri Blue Shield program was described at the meeting as having been created by Governor Keyhole in January 2025 via executive order 25-03 and administered through the Missouri Department of Public Safety. According to remarks read at the meeting, the program recognizes local governments that have made efforts to reduce crime, foster law-enforcement collaboration and build community partnerships for public safety.
Officials also presented a certificate of appreciation from veterans to the street department, and praised the department’s work during recent storms. Speaker 1, who identified having served as mayor pro tem, said the street department’s efforts were noticed by residents and veterans and thanked staff for their work. The meeting record credited stormwater work to Mister Carter (when he served as department head), Keith Russellfield, and the sheriff, and described the work as a key part of the city’s response efforts.
Assistant Chief John Stewart was named in remarks recognizing the police department’s role in securing the designation; Speaker 2 praised the chief and Stewart for their work getting the designation recognized by the state.
No formal vote on the designation or additional grant actions was recorded during the meeting; the resolution establishing Kennett’s Blue Shield designation had been signed previously, according to the remarks.
City officials said they plan to continue follow-up work on related matters at later committee meetings.
