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Joplin dedicates 20th Street bridge to honor fallen officer Jake Reed

The city of Joplin has officially dedicated the 20th Street Bridge to honor fallen Police Officer Jake Reed.

A dedication ceremony was held Tuesday afternoon in remembrance of Reed, who was shot on March 8th, 2022, after attempting to arrest a suspect involved in a disturbance and attempted theft near 4th and Geneva Avenue.

On March 11th, 2022, Officer Jake Reed died in the line of duty and his organs were donated so that others may live.

Officer Reed’s family was also presented with the Joplin Police Department Medal of Honor.

On August 7th, 2023, the Joplin City Council passed resolution number 2023-015, officially recognizing the ultimate sacrifice paid by Officer Reed and honored him by naming the 20th Street bridge the “Officer Jake Reed Memorial Bridge”.

Interim Police Chief Brian Lewis says this specific bridge was dedicated to Officer Reed for a reason.

“On February 23, 2019, Jake responded to this bridge regarding a suicidal female. The young lady had struggled with suicidal thoughts and was standing on the top rail of the bridge, at the base of a light pole, refusing to speak with officers,” stated Lewis. “Jake acted quickly and pulled the lady down from her precarious position as two other officers assisted in safely detaining her.”

“Jake’s service to others included sacrificing his own safety in confronting evil,” said Lewis. “His concern was for the well-being of others, to the detriment of his own safety.”

Joplin Reed Dedication
Interim Joplin Police Chief Brian Lewis hugs the wife of fallen Joplin Police Officer Jake Reed during a bridge dedication ceremony.
Joplin Reed Dedication
Interim Joplin Police Chief Brian Lewis speaks during a dedication ceremony to honor fallen Officer Jake Reed.

Jake Reed Memorial Bridge

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