Acting Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Jasper and Newton counties on Friday, March 18, 2022, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Joplin Police Officer Jake Reed.
State government departments are responsible for distributing this information throughout your department for compliance with this order. You can find the proclamation here.
Mark Hill,
Director, OA FMDC
WHEREAS, Jake Reed graduated from Missouri Southern State University Law Enforcement Academy on May 11, 2017, earned his Missouri Peace Officer license that same day, and was commissioned by the Joplin Police Department as a police officer on May 12, 2017; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure with the Joplin Police Department, Officer Reed served honorably and demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting others, even if it meant putting his own life at risk; and
WHEREAS, on March 8, 2022, Officer Reed and Corporal Benjamin Lee Cooper bravely responded to a disturbance call at a shopping center in the 400 block of Geneva A venue in Joplin, and Officer Reed was gravely wounded as the officers attempted to take a gunman into custody; and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2022, Officer Reed succumbed to his injuries; and WHEREAS, law enforcement officers courageously and selflessly strive to ensure the safety and well-being of their fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, the people of the State of Missouri are thankful for the brave individuals in law enforcement who consider the welfare of others a personal responsibility and work tirelessly to protect the lives and property of their fellow citizens; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Kehoe, upon express authorization of Governor Michael L. Parson, and while serving as Acting Governor, as a mark of respect for the death of
OFFICER JAKE REED
and for his bravery and service to the Joplin Police Department do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of Missouri shall be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in the counties of Jasper and Newton, Missouri, for one full day on March 18, 2022, from sunrise to sunset.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, this 17th day of March, 2022.