15 Missouri communities receive 2026 Blue Shield designation
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Public Safety has designated 15 communities as 2026 Missouri Blue Shield communities, making them the first to receive the recognition for the program’s second year.
The designation makes the communities eligible for state grants to support law enforcement equipment and training, pending approval by the Missouri General Assembly.
The 2026 Blue Shield communities include the cities of Arnold, Ballwin, Dexter, Gerald, Ironton, Maryland Heights, Moberly, Odessa, Peculiar, Sikeston and Washburn, as well as Johnson, Maries, Marion and Oregon counties. All 15 communities also received the designation in 2025.
According to DPS Director Mark James, the program recognizes communities that demonstrate a commitment to public safety, support for law enforcement and sustainable public safety partnerships.
In 2025, 201 Missouri communities earned the Blue Shield designation and became eligible for $50,000 grants for law enforcement equipment and training. Gov. Mike Kehoe’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes $10 million for the program.
Equipment funded through last year’s grants included mobile data terminals, body cameras, license plate readers, ballistic vests, interoperable radios and patrol vehicles.
Communities seeking the designation must meet eligibility criteria, including adopting a resolution supporting public safety, investing in law enforcement funding, participating in regional anti-crime efforts and complying with state crime reporting requirements.
Applications for the Blue Shield program remain open, and additional 2026 designees will be announced weekly, according to DPS.
