March 11th, 2026 Local News
St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - St. Francois County has again been recognized for its commitment to strengthening public safety and supporting law enforcement.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety has announced that St. Francois County has earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026, marking the second consecutive year the county has received the honor. The designation recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a strong commitment to reducing crime, investing in public safety resources, and building partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
The Missouri Blue Shield Program was established in January 2025 by Governor Mike Kehoe. In its inaugural year, 201 communities across the state earned the designation after demonstrating significant efforts to strengthen public safety and improve cooperation between law enforcement and citizens.
Communities that received the designation in 2025 were required to reapply in order to maintain the recognition for 2026. The application period for this year’s designation opened on February 4.
Governor Kehoe says the program highlights what can happen when communities prioritize safety and law enforcement partnerships.
According to the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Blue Shield grants awarded last year helped agencies obtain essential equipment, including mobile data terminals, body cameras, license plate readers, ballistic vests, interoperable radios, and vehicles.
Communities that earn the Blue Shield designation are eligible for grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of the governor’s recommended state budget for Fiscal Year 2027, pending approval by the Missouri General Assembly. The proposed budget includes $10 million for the program.
The designation also allows communities to be featured by the governor’s office and the Department of Public Safety to highlight their efforts to improve public safety and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and local residents.