Palmyra receives Blue Shield designation from Missouri Department of Public Safety

PALMYRA, Mo. — Palmyra recently received Missouri Blue Shield designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, which recognizes Missouri communities demonstrating a commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement.

The Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Gov. Mike Kehoe in January 2025, 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 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 Palmyra 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.”

Palmyra earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation due to its commitment to public safety. Through officer recruitment and retention efforts, a budget supporting the Palmyra Police Department and community support, the community has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents. This designation affirms Palmyra’s effort to create a safer, more secure environment.

“This designation is a reflection of the unwavering commitment our officers and community have made to public safety. We are proud to be recognized as a Missouri Blue Shield community, and we will continue working every day to keep Palmyra a safe place to live, work, and raise a family,” Police Chief Michael Baker said.

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 also be featured on Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program.