The Missouri Department of Public Safety has approved 15 Missouri communities as 2026 Missouri Blue Shield communities, making them the first ones designated in the second year of the program. As such, they are eligible for state grants up to $50,000 to boost law enforcement equipment and/or training.
The City of Moberly and Maries County are the only ones of the 15 in the Country 96 listening area. Each of the first 15 communities had also earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025.
To achieve the designation, communities must demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, strengthening support for law enforcement, and building sustainable public safety partnerships.
Last year, 201 Missouri communities achieved the Blue Shield designation.