City of Willard Officially Receives Missouri Blue Shield Designation
Willard, MO –The City of Willard has officially received the Missouri Blue Shield designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety. This prestigious honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement.
The Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, recognizes local governments that make significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration, and build strong community partnerships for public safety.
“Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and state. It affects everything from families feeling secure to businesses having the confidence to invest and grow,” said Governor Kehoe. “We designed the Missouri Blue Shield Program to recognize communities that go above and beyond in creating a place where people want to live, work, and build their futures. A Missouri Blue Shield designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local governments across Missouri who are leading the way in making public safety a priority.”
“The Department of Public Safety is proud to work alongside communities like Willard, that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing public safety,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “This program is about fostering collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Our goal is to support these efforts, providing resources and guidance to help communities build sustainable, long-term solutions for crime reduction and public safety.”
Willard City Administrator Wes Young praised the designation as a sign of the city’s momentum: “This approval is exciting news and evidence that Willard is on the move. This designation allows us to apply for grant opportunities that are only made available to communities holding this designation.”
Willard Police Chief Tom McClain added: “Receiving the Blue Shield designation is one more step toward having one of the best public safety programs in the southwest Missouri region… It will enable us to obtain grant funding for our public safety program that will stretch our public safety dollars even farther than we already do here locally.”
Assistant Police Chief Shannon Shipley emphasized the department’s broader commitment: “The Willard Police Department is proud to have achieved the Blue Shield Community Designation. This honor represents our ongoing commitment to fostering safety, trust, and collaboration within the Willard community. It symbolizes the dedication of our officers to uphold the highest standards of service and integrity through proactive community partnerships, transparency in operations and implementation of cutting-edge technology coupled with a small-town appeal.
This honor would not be possible without the support of our city leaders who wholeheartedly bolster our mission by allowing community-oriented programs like PAL, Camp Character, Neighborhood Watch, and DARE. Their commitment ensures we have the resources and support necessary to recruit and retain dedicated officers, equip them with the best tools, and empower them to serve Willard with excellence. Together, we strive to create a community where each resident feels valued, protected, and connected.”
Eligibility and Program Details
Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety, and developing strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Each participating community’s commitment will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.
Participation Incentives
Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2026. Communities will also be featured on Governor Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program.
About Willard
Willard earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation due to its exceptional commitment to public safety. Through innovative community policing efforts, robust recruitment and training initiatives, strategic investments in equipment and personnel, and strong partnerships with civic stakeholders, the community has demonstrated a clear and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents. This designation affirms Willard’s dedication to fostering a safe, connected, and thriving environment for all who live and work here.