Region honors fallen Sikeston officer Henry Franklin with procession tribute along I-55

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SCOTT CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Drone footage captured a solemn tribute Wednesday as members of the Scott City Fire Department, Scott City Police Department, Benton Fire Department and North Scott County Ambulance District lined the Interstate 55 on-ramp to honor fallen Sikeston Department of Public Safety Officer Henry Franklin.

Emergency crews staged along the route as Franklin’s body was transported to Farmington for an autopsy following a fatal shooting Monday in Mississippi County. Franklin was assisting on a mutual aid call when he was shot and killed in the line of duty. His end of watch was recorded as October 6, 2025.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, Officer Franklin’s family and friends, and all our brothers and sisters in blue during this difficult time,” officials said in a joint statement.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department also joined the tribute Wednesday afternoon. Officers, along with others from across Missouri attending a law enforcement training conference in Cape Girardeau, gathered along I-55 to pay their respects as Franklin’s procession passed.

“Moments like this remind us that the bond among those who serve and protect our communities runs deep,” CGPD said in a statement. “We stand together, no matter the uniform or patch, in times of loss. We grieve with our brothers and sisters in Sikeston as they face this unimaginable heartbreak. Officer Franklin’s service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and our prayers remain with his family, his friends, and his co-workers.”

Officials also extended condolences to the family of Mr. Essner, the farmer who tragically lost his life during the same incident.

“Today and always, we stand with those who mourn and honor those we have lost,” the statement continued.