15 Missouri communities are first to gain 2026 Blue Shield designation, Department of Public Safety announces

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Public Safety has approved 15 Missouri communities as 2026 Missouri Blue Shield communities, making them the first designated for the second year of the programand eligible for state grants to boost law enforcement equipment and/or training. To achieve the designation, communities must demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, strengthening support for law enforcement, and building sustainable public safety partnerships.

The first communities to be recognized as Missouri Blue Shield communities for 2026 are: the cities of Arnold, Ballwin, Dexter, Gerald, Ironton, Maryland Heights, Moberly, Odessa, Peculiar, Sikeston, Washburn; and the counties of Johnson, Maries, Marion and Oregon. Each of the first 15 communities had also earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025.

“We’re extremely pleased to be off to such a quick start and once again see a high level of interest in the Blue Shield program from communities across the state,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said. “Missourians are united by a strong desire to live in safe communities with highly professional and engaged law enforcement agencies. The Blue Shield designation allows communities to highlight their support and makes them eligible for significant state grants to support law enforcement training and
equipment.”

Additional communities will be announced weekly on the Department of Public Safety Facebook page.

Last year, 201 Missouri communities achieved the Blue Shield designation, making each of them eligible for $50,000 grants for law enforcement equipment and training. Governor Mike Kehoe’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget
once again includes $10 million for grants.