Adair County Missouri Sheriff's Office and Detention Center

06/15/2026

For Immediate Release:

Adair County Sheriff’s Department Officially Receives Missouri Blue Shield Designation

Friday, June 12, 2026, Adair County Sheriff’s Department received official word from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that we 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 our community. Adair County Sheriff’s Department was also recognized with a Blue Sheld designation in 2025.

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 strengethen public safety. The opportunity to earn the Blue Shield designation for 2026 opened on February 4, 2026. Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 had to reapply this year to be approved once again. 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, provided the General Assembly approves the funding.

“Strengthening public safety and committing to joint law enforcement community – citizen safety efforts is what the Blue Shield Program is all about and the Department of Public Safety is honored to work with communities like Adair County Sheriff’s Department that have answered the Blue Shield challenge,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Adair County Sheriff’s Department Finance Director Kristine Dawson stated, “Due to the Blue Shield Grant we were able to obtain a 2026 Ford Explorer Interceptor with a partition to help ensure the safety of our deputies while they are performing their duties within the community.”

Adair County Sheriff’s Department earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation because of its exceptional commitment to public safety. Through localized community efforts and partnerships, the Adair County Sheriff’s Department, under the leadership of Sheriff Lene, has expanded training opportunities for Deputies and Corrections Officers, including Crisis Intervention Training and Human Trafficking Awareness Training, while maintaining active participation in the NOMO Drug Task Force. By developing several certified in-house instructors, the department has increased access to specialized training while reducing expenses associated with sending personnel to training programs outside the area. This designation affirms Adair County Sheriff’s Department’s efforts to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.

06/11/2026

Inmate Church Service list for 2026

06/10/2026

🎒 BATTLE OF THE BADGES: BACKPACK EDITION

The Adair County Sheriff’s Office is proud to join the Adair County Health Department, CAPNEMO, Kirksville Police Department, Kirksville Fire Department, and Adair County Ambulance District in a friendly competition to support the 2026 Back-to-School Fair.

Now through June 30th we are collecting new backpacks to help local students start the school year prepared and ready to succeed.

Here’s where you come in:

✅ Purchase a new backpack
✅ Drop it off at the Adair County Sheriff’s Office (best times are during business hours 8am-5pm Mon-Fri)
✅ ⭐️ Help local students! ⭐️
✅ Help us earn the title of GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of Giving!

As the reigning champs of the last Battle of the Badges, we are throwing down the challenge to our friends at Kirksville PD, Kirksville Fire Department, and Adair County Ambulance District! The agency that collects the most backpacks will take home bragging rights, a trophy and a special treat. However, at the end of the day, everyone wins when local kids have the tools they need to succeed (but we’d still like to bring home that trophy 😉)

Help us fill our lobby with backpacks and show what Adair County can do when we come together for our kids!

06/01/2026

This weekend, members of the Adair County Sheriff’s Office had the privilege of volunteering at the Special Olympics Missouri Summer Games. Sheriff Jason Lene, Corrections Supervisor Justin Peterson, and Deputy Jake Vice were honored to support the athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers who make this incredible event possible.

A special congratulations goes to Corrections Supervisor Peterson’s daughter, who participated in the games this weekend. Watching athletes compete with determination, sportsmanship, and heart is a reminder of what makes the Special Olympics so inspiring. Thank you to Special Olympics Missouri for allowing us to be a small part of such an amazing event!

05/30/2026

The Adair County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the family, friends, and fellow troopers of Corporal Gary Daniels during this difficult time.

The loss of a law enforcement officer impacts the entire public safety community. We stand alongside the men and women of the Missouri State Highway Patrol as they mourn the loss of one of their own and honor Corporal Daniels’ service.

This tragedy also serves as an important reminder that mental health affects everyone, including those who dedicate their lives to serving their communities.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available:
• Call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, confidential and available 24/7.
• First responders and their families can also access confidential behavioral health resources through Missouri’s First Responder Provider Network at https://mofrpn.org/

Please keep Corporal Daniels’ loved ones, his law enforcement family, and all those affected by his loss in your thoughts and prayers.

Sheriff Lene

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The Adair County Sheriff’s Office extends our gratitude to all who have served and asks our community to join us in remembering those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy each day.

05/15/2026

Today, on Peace Officers Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities and this nation. Their courage, dedication, and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten.

05/11/2026

As we begin National Police Week, the Adair County Sheriff’s Office would also like to take a moment to recognize National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, which was observed last week.

While we apologize for not making a post during that time, it does not lessen our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our corrections staff. The work performed inside our detention facility is an essential part of public safety, and we are grateful for the professionalism, patience, and commitment shown each day.

This week, we proudly recognize the deputies of the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers who serve our communities. Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting others.

We are proud to serve alongside each of you.

—Sheriff Lene

04/17/2026

Stay weather aware this afternoon and evening.

‼️⚠️A sizable portion of Missouri, including the Kansas City area, has now been raised to the MODERATE RISK category (Level 4 risk out of 5) for this afternoon/evening/night's storms.
‼️▶️SINCE HAIL AND STRONG WINDS ARE PRIMARY THREATS:
▶️Secure outdoor furniture, toys, and gardening tools to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
▶️Park vehicles in a garage or under sturdy cover.
▶️Close blinds and curtains to protect against broken glass.
▶️Follow you local forecast for updates, have multiple ways of receiving alerts, always know where you would shelter.

04/13/2026

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2026

This week, we proudly recognize the dedication, professionalism, and tireless work of our Adair County 911 Dispatchers. Behind every call is a voice of calm in the chaos—someone who answers without hesitation, gathers critical information, and ensures help is on the way.

Your commitment does not go unnoticed. The long hours, the high-pressure situations, and the responsibility you carry each day speak volumes about your character and strength.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your hard work, and for the incredible job you do serving our community. Adair County is safer because of you.