Lewis County receives Blue Shield designation from Missouri Department of Public Safety

MONTICELLO, Mo. — Lewis County received the Blue Shield designation last month from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

This honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement. The Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Gov. Mike Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, recognizes local governments that make significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration, and build strong community partnerships for public safety.

Lewis County earned the designation for its commitment to public safety, including:

• Collaborative efforts with the Canton R-V and Lewis County C-1 School Districts to provide a school resource officer on each campus to enhance school safety
• Providing DARE and Students Against Destructive Decisions programs.
• Providing a soccer league for elementary students, free of charge, for 30 years.

The sheriff’s office is a founding member of the Northeast Missouri Drug Task Force and an active member of the Northeast Missouri Major Case Squad. Sheriff David Parrish serves as president of both groups.

The Lewis County Commission has enhanced deputy and jail staff retention and recruitment efforts through major increases in law enforcement funding during the past five years.

“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,” Kehoe said in a press release. “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 Lewis County 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.”

“This recognition by Gov. Kehoe demonstrates that the Lewis County Commission, the sheriff’s office and my office are committed to protecting the citizens of Lewis County,” Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney Chelsea Fellinger said. “Members of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department are an exemplary display of the qualities those bestowed with a badge should possess. It is vital that we continue to work together to provide good service to victims of crime and ensure the safety of our citizens.”

“We greatly appreciate this designation by Gov. Kehoe,” Parrish said. “This demonstrates the dedication of deputies, jail staff and administrative personnel of my office. We are proud to represent the citizens of Lewis County and appreciate the resources provided by the Lewis County Commission. Working together with the members of our community, we hope to continue to keep Lewis County safe.”

Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety, and developing strong 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.

Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Kehoe’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Communities will be featured on Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the Department of Public Safety website to highlight their participation in the program.