Joplin community hosts memorial to honor heroic, fallen officers

This morning the Joplin Police Department hosted a memorial service to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by Corporal Ben Cooper of the Joplin Police Department.

The service started with Joplin Chief of Police Sloan Rowland inviting a Chaplin to deliver an opening speech and bless the memorial.

Afterward Chief Rowland initiated a city wide moment of silence. Several officers that had personal and professional relationships with Corporal Cooper were asked to share memories of him which ranged from teary eyed recollections of his selflessness, to comedic memories of the light hearted pranks he was known for.

Corporal Cooper had graduated from Carl Junction High School before joining the Army where he served for 8 years. He then began his law enforcement career with the Joplin Police Department in 2003. Cooper moved to Colorado and became a K9 officer while serving as a Sheriff’s Deputy.

The 46 year old returned to Joplin in 2016 to continue his service in the Show-Me-State.

The events of March 8th, 2022 had a profound impact on the families, officers, employees, and so many others.

Additionally, there will be a memorial service on Saturday, March 11th at 10:00 A.M. at the Public Safety Training Facility at 5102 Swede Lane, Webb City, Missouri 64870, to honor the sacrifice of Officer Jake Reed who was also fatally wounded in the same altercation as Corporal Cooper.

On March 11th, 2022, in his final act of service, Officer Jake Reed’s organs were donated so others could live. This ceremony will honor his sacrifice and will include a Joplin City Council proclamation for “Jake Reed Day” as well as words from several speakers.

The ceremony is open to the general public. Seating and parking may be limited depending on attendance.