One-year anniversary of slain officers’ death approaches

Special observances are planned for Joplin Police Department officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty.

We are now approaching the one-year anniversary of the fatal shooting of two Joplin police officers and the severe injury of a third.

It was on March 8, 2022 that Cpl. Ben Cooper and Officer Jake Reed were fatally shot while attempting to arrest a suspect on a parking lot in the city.

A third officer, Rick Hirshey, was shot in the face during the incident. He has since recovered.

The plans, released by Joplin Police Chief Sloan Rowland  include the following;

• • March 8, 2023, at 9 a.m. – Cpl. Ben Cooper One-Year Memorial, this event will be held Joplin Public Safety Training Center at 5102 Swede Lane, Webb City, Missouri.  This will be a public memorial, and all are welcome to attend.
  • March 11, 2023, at 9 a.m. – Officer Jake Reed One- Year Memorial, this event will be held Joplin Public Safety Training Center.  This will be a public memorial, and all are welcome to attend.
  • May 5, 2023, at 8 a.m. – Candlelight Service at the state memorial on the capitol grounds in Jefferson City. This will include the unveiling of Officer Reed and Cpl. Coopers name on the memorial wall for the first time.  Families will be escorted by the department.
  • May 6, 2023, at 10 a.m. – Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial Service at the state memorial on the capitol grounds in Jefferson City, Mo.  20 to 30 officers who will attend this memorial along with our department color guard. The color guard will present a wreath in honor of all 21 of our fallen officers which occurs every year. Families will be escorted by the department and travel to and from Jefferson City provided if desired.
  • May 12-17, 2023, National Police Week, Washington,D.C. Eight officers who will attend this memorial. The families and department will present a wreath in honor of all Cpl. Ben Cooper and Officer Jake Reed. Families will be escorted by the department for the duration of the week and all events.  Flights have been arranged to allow all Missouri officers, and family members of the fallen officers to travel to and from Washington D.C. together.

BRIDGES
Also, plans are in the works to name three bridges in honor of Joplin officers. Two of the bridges will need legislation for the designation through the State of Missouri. Representative Lane Roberts has agreed to sponsor the legislation.

The locations are as follows:

• • New Rangeline Bridge – Cpl. Ben Cooper. Committee with meet in June and legislation presented following.
  • Connecticut and I44 – Officer Tim Nielson. Committee with meet in June and legislation presented following.
  • New 20^thStreet Bridge – Officer Jake Reed. Awaiting information on this project.