The city of Washburn has officially received Missouri Blue Shield designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

This prestigious honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement.

James Morgan, Washburn police chief, said qualifying required the city to pass a resolution and police department plan. Next year, Morgan said, being in the program will open Washburn up to grants for training and equipment.

The Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Gov. Mike Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, recognizes local governments that make significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration, and build strong community partnerships for public safety.

“Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and state,” Kehoe said. “It affects everything from families feeling secure to businesses having the confidence to invest and grow. We designed the Missouri Blue Shield Program to recognize communities that go above and beyond in creating a place where people want to live, work, and build their futures.

“A Missouri Blue Shield designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local governments across Missouri who are leading the way in making public safety a priority.”

“The Department of Public Safety is proud to work alongside communities like the city of Washburn, that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing public safety,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “This program is about fostering collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Our goal is to support these efforts, providing resources and guidance to help communities build sustainable, long-term solutions for crime reduction and public safety.

“Community is about treating people with respect, and coming together and being here for one another, working together for the betterment of the community, watching out for each other, everyone is family. The Washburn Police Department is all about integrity, honesty, transparency and the safety of the Community.”

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 will be 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 Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2026. Communities will also be featured on Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program.

About the city of Washburn The city of Washburn earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation due to its exceptional commitment to public safety. Through specific initiatives from application, such as officer recruitment efforts, major law enforcement funding, partnerships with community stakeholders, etc., the community has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents.

This designation affirms the city of Washburn’s effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.