The Reporter newspaper, Camdenton Missouri

The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.

Published June 18, 2025

Lake Ozark joins others as a Blue Shield City

LAKE OZARK – The City of Lake Ozark is the latest lake area city to be named a Blue Shield City.

The city and the Lake Ozark Police Department said they are honored to have been named a Missouri Blue Shield City by the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

Of this designation for the agency and community, Police Chief James Boren said “I’m honored to accept this Blue Shield City designation, which reflects the outstanding work of our Board of Aldermen, city staff, and police department working in partnership. This recognition from Governor Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Public Safety validates what I’ve observed throughout my 20-year career here—our community’s growing commitment to public safety. During my tenure as chief, I’ve seen firsthand how the dedication of our officers, combined with incredible community support, creates the foundation for this kind of recognition. This achievement belongs to everyone who has contributed to making our city safer.”

Launched by Governor Mike Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, the Missouri Blue Shield Program recognizes cities and counties that go above and beyond to reduce crime, strengthen partnerships between law enforcement agencies and build meaningful connections with the communities they serve.

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.