MARYVILLE, Mo. — Nodaway County has been awarded the Missouri Blue Shield designation by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, county officials announced this week.
The Missouri Blue Shield Program, launched by Governor Mike Kehoe in January, recognizes local governments that make “significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration, and build strong community partnerships for public safety,” according to a county news release.
Communities that receive the designation may become eligible for state grant funding to support law enforcement training and equipment.
The designation is reviewed annually to ensure communities continue meeting the program’s objectives.
The Nodaway County Commission celebrated the recognition in a joint statement, saying, “This designation reaffirms that our sheriff’s department provides the highest level of law enforcement while qualifying the county for grant opportunities provided by the governor’s office through this program.”
Nodaway County Sheriff Austin Hann also expressed appreciation for the award, emphasizing that it highlights the department’s dedication to public safety.
The city of Maryville previously received the Blue Shield designation in April.