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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">600 E. Walnut Street
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Columbia, MO 65201</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">May 29, 2025</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Brian McNeill
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia Police Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.825.4022
<br />policepio@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Columbia receives Missouri Blue Shield designation</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display:inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbia has officially received the Missouri Blue Shield designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). This prestigious honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Receiving the Missouri Blue Shield designation is an honor that reflects the unwavering commitment of our officers, professional staff, City leadership and community partners," said Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude. "This recognition underscores the results of intentional collaboration, innovation in policing and the trust we continue to build with those we serve. It motivates us to keep pushing forward in our mission to make Columbia one of the safest cities in Missouri."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kehoe said public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and state. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It affects everything from families feeling secure to businesses having the confidence to invest and grow," Kehoe said. "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."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mark James, director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, said that his department is proud to work alongside communities like Columbia that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing public safety. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"This program is about fostering collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve," James said. "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."</span></p>
<p><strong>Eligibility and program details</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p>
<p><strong>Participation incentives</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of the governor’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.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbia earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation due to its exceptional commitment to public safety. This honor reflects the community's comprehensive approach to law enforcement excellence, demonstrated through strategic officer recruitment initiatives, significant investments in cutting-edge law enforcement technology and robust partnerships with both community organizations and fellow law enforcement agencies. This designation affirms Columbia’s effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here. </span></p></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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