The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office received official word from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that they have earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026.

This honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in and supporting law enforcement and building partnerships between law enforcement and the community. The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office was also recognized with a Blue Shield designation in 2025. Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2027.

The Missouri Blue Shield Program was created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. In 2025, 201 Missouri communities earned the Blue Shield designation, recognizing local governments’ significant efforts to reduce crime and foster law enforcement – community partnerships to strengthen public safety. The opportunity to earn the Blue Shield designation for 2026 opened on February 4.

Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 had to reapply this year to be approved once again.