Governor Kehoe honors first responders, civilians with Missouri Public Safety medals

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Gov. Mike Kehoe on Wednesday awarded Missouri Public Safety Medals to first responders and civilians who displayed acts of heroism during 2024, including four honored posthumously after being killed in the line of duty.

In all, 29 first responders, two corrections officers and a court officer received the state’s highest public safety honors — the Medal of Valor, the Governor’s Award and the Red, White and Blue Heart Award. Six civilians were also presented with the Public Safety Civilian Partnership Award for assisting first responders during emergencies.

“We ask a great deal of Missouri’s first responders, and they routinely deliver for us beyond all expectations,” Kehoe said in a statement. “The men and women we honored today ended violent threats, saved crash victims, protected people under armed attack, and engineered life-saving technical rescues. Sadly, four of the heroes recognized today lost their lives working to assist others — their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Public Safety Director Mark James said the awards highlight the professionalism and dedication of responders who risk their lives daily. “We’re extremely indebted to the fallen heroes we honored,” James said.

Family members and colleagues attended the Jefferson City ceremony, where award recipients were recognized for actions ranging from daring rescues in floodwaters to intervening in violent attacks.

Nominations for the 2025 Public Safety Medals are open until Feb. 28, 2026. Forms are available on the Missouri Department of Public Safety website at Department of Public Safety – Missouri Public Safety Medals.