03/30/2026
The Mountain Grove Police Department officially receives the Missouri Blue Shield Designation
Today, the Mountain Grove Police Department received word from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that we have earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026. This honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in and supporting law enforcement and building partnerships between law enforcement and our community.
The Missouri Blue Shield Program was created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. In 2025, 201 Missouri communities earned the Blue Shield designation, recognizing local governments’ significant efforts to reduce crime and foster law enforcement – community partnerships to strengethen public safety. The opportunity to earn the Blue Shield designation for 2026 opened on February 4, 2026. Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 had to reapply this year to be approved once again.
“The Blue Shield program has shown what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,” Governor Kehoe said. “After awarding $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities last year, we’re continuing that work by welcoming new communities and renewing Blue Shield designations for counties, towns, and cities that remain committed to the program.”
“Strengthening public safety and committing to joint law enforcement community – citizen safety efforts is what the Blue Shield Program is all about and the Department of Public Safety is honored to work with communities like the Mountain Grove Police Department, that have answered the Blue Shield challenge,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Last year, the essential equipment provided by Blue Shield grants included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers (LPR), 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios and 56 vehicles. We look forward to getting additional important equipment and training to our partners in local law enforcement.”
Chief Danny Bledsoe highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to reduce crime and improve quality of life for residents.
“Since being elected City Marshal in 2017, we have remained committed to reducing crime and enhancing public safety within our community,” said Chief Bledsoe. “Our efforts have included establishing a full-time School Resource Officer program, increasing the number of sworn officers, and implementing proactive initiatives aimed at making our city a safer place to live and work. I am deeply honored that our community has been recognized as a Blue Shield City and am grateful for the resources this program will provide to further support our mission.”
City Administrator, Dakota Bates weighed in on the designation. “This designation reinforces what we already know - public safety is not just a priority in Mountain Grove, it’s a core function of how we serve our community every day,” said City Administrator Dakota Bates. “Our Police Department continues to operate with a forward-thinking, proactive approach that emphasizes both enforcement and community partnership. Earning the Missouri Blue Shield designation is a direct result of intentional investment, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to creating a safe, stable environment where our residents and businesses can thrive. We’re proud of this achievement, but more importantly, we’re focused on sustaining and building on this momentum.”
Eligibility and Program Details
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 is reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.
Participation Incentives
Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2027, provided the General Assembly approves the funding. The Governor’s FY 2027 budget appropriated $10 million to the program for equipment and training grants. Communities will also be featured on Governor Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program. A map of 2025 Blue Shield communities is available here.
The Mountain Grove Police Department earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation because of its exceptional commitment to public safety. Through high visibility and proactive law enforcement tactics, the Mountain Grove Police Department has taken steps to enhance public safety through strategic staffing and regional collaboration with other surrounding agencies. Through these actions, the Mountain Grove Police Department has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents. This designation affirms the Mountain Grove Police Department’s effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.
