05/29/2026
Truesdale Officially Receives Missouri Blue Shield Designation
Truesdale, MO – Today, the City of Truesdale and the Truesdale Police Department received official notification from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that the community has earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026. This honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing public safety, supporting law enforcement, and building partnerships between officers and the citizens they serve.
The Missouri Blue Shield Program was created by Governor Mike Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. In 2025, more than 200 Missouri communities earned the Blue Shield designation, recognizing significant efforts to reduce crime and strengthen law enforcement-community partnerships. Communities that earned the designation in 2025 were required to reapply this year to maintain their certification.
“The Blue Shield program has shown what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,” Governor 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.”
“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 Truesdale, that have answered the Blue Shield challenge,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Last year, the essential equipment provided by Blue Shield grants included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers (LPR), 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios and 56 vehicles. We look forward to getting additional important equipment and training to our partners in local law enforcement.”
Chief Casey Doyle of the Truesdale Police Department said, “This designation is a reflection of the hard work and dedication our officers put in every day. We’re proud to serve the people of Truesdale and remain committed to keeping our community safe.”
Eligibility and Program Details
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 is reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.
Participation Incentives
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. The Governor’s FY 2027 budget appropriated $10 million to the program for equipment and training grants. Communities will also be featured on Governor Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program.
About Truesdale
Truesdale earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation because of its exceptional commitment to public safety and community partnership. Through continued investments in officer training, proactive policing initiatives, public engagement, and collaboration with local stakeholders, the Truesdale Police Department and city leadership have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to protecting residents and improving quality of life. This designation affirms Truesdale’s efforts to create a safer and more secure environment for all who live, work, and visit the community.
