The City of Odessa, Missouri officially received 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 the City of Odessa 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.”

“The Odessa community feels incredibly proud to be designated a Missouri Blue Shield Community, a distinction that reflects our dedication to safety and confirms our standing as one of Missouri's safest cities” – Mayor Bryan Barner.

“Achieving the Missouri Blue Shield Community designation is a significant honor for Odessa, and a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Odessa Police Department in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community” – Chief of Police Josh Thompson

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. 

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.

The City of Odessa earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation due to its exceptional commitment to public safety. Through collaborative partnerships, community betterment initiatives, proactive policing practices, transparency reporting and the dedication to investing in crime prevention initiative and ensuring adequate funding for law enforcement program the Odessa community has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents. This designation affirms the City of Odessa’s effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.