City of Bonne Terre Earns Missouri Blue Shield Designation for 2026

Bonne Terre, Mo. (KFMO) - The City of Bonne Terre has once again been recognized for its commitment to public safety after receiving the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026 from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

The designation recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate strong efforts to enhance public safety, invest in law enforcement, and foster partnerships between police departments and the communities they serve. Bonne Terre also earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025.

The Missouri Blue Shield Program was created by Governor Mike Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. In its first year, 201 communities across the state received the designation for their work to reduce crime and strengthen law enforcement-community partnerships.

Governor Kehoe said the program highlights what communities can accomplish when they prioritize public safety.

“The Blue Shield program has shown what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,” Kehoe said. “After awarding $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities last year, we’re continuing that work by welcoming new communities and renewing Blue Shield designations for counties, towns, and cities that remain committed to the program.”

Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said the initiative helps ensure communities receive important equipment and training resources for local law enforcement.

James noted that equipment provided through Blue Shield grants last year included hundreds of mobile data terminals, body cameras, license plate readers, ballistic vests, interoperable radios, and dozens of vehicles for law enforcement agencies.

Communities must reapply each year for the designation, with applications reviewed based on their commitment to reducing crime, investing in public safety, and strengthening collaboration between law enforcement and community stakeholders.

If funding is approved by the Missouri General Assembly, communities earning the designation could receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of the governor’s recommended Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, which includes $10 million for the program.

Bonne Terre officials say the designation reflects the city’s continued dedication to protecting residents and maintaining strong partnerships between law enforcement.