Sikeston DPS raises funding to ‘Save a seat’ for fallen officer

SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – A local hero, gone but not forgotten.

A local police department is working to keep the memory of their brother in arms alive.

The Sikeston Department of Public Safety is ensuring that a fallen officer’s sacrifice does not go forgotten, by raising funding for a memorial chair to ensure that fallen Sikeston DPS Officer Henry Franklin always has a seat in the room. 

Seargent Tyler Rowe, is the Sikeston Department of Public Safety’s Public Information’s Officer he shares the department is currently raising funds for an  honor chair, created through Saving a Hero’s Place, a custom, hand-built wooden memorial chair crafted by law enforcement officers and family members in memory of fallen officer Henry Franklin who lost his life in the line of duty on October 6, 2025. Once completed, it will be put in a special spot inside the department.

Seargent Rowe shares fundraiser details. 

“It’s on our Facebook, there’s a link where you can make a donation, for the chair. What we’ve also had is, a signed guitar by Aaron Lewis donated to us. So, we’re going to be raffling that off once all the tickets are sold” says Rowe.

Seargent Rowe says the department will do a raffle drawing through their Facebook after the raffle ends for the winner of the guitar.

He says this chair serves as more than just an item but a memory.

 “Officer franklin spent his entire law enforcement career with Sikeston DPS. You know, prior to that, he served his country, in the armed forces. So, he did have a life of service dedicated to not only, America, but the American citizen, but also to the citizens of Sikeston” says Rowe. “So, to have his memory, his honor to constantly be here. It’s a wonderful thing for not only us as current officers, but officers to come after us and for everybody to remember him.” 

Link for honor fund: Officer Henry Franklin Honor Chair Fund | Saving A Hero’s Place (Powered by Donorbox)