Pevely officials recently learned the city has gained a Missouri Blue Shield designation, which makes the Pevely Police eligible to receive state grant money.
Chief Jamie Mayberry said city officials learned May 29 of the Missouri Blue Shield designation, a program administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
“This is the first time the city of Pevely has received the Blue Shield designation,” he said. “The program started in 2025. You could get up to $50,000 in grants.”
He said his department will apply for the grant money as soon as the application period begins.
“July 1, the applications open,” he said. “That’s when we will apply.”
According to a statement issued by Pevely Police, a Missouri Blue Shield designation is based on the following criteria: dedication to reducing crime; making strong investments in public safety; and developing a strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. It further states that each community’s commitment is reviewed annually “to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.”
Gov. Mike Kehoe established the program through an executive order in 2025, and 201 communities in the state received the designations during its first year.
“The Blue Shield program has shown what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,” Kehoe said in a statement.
“After awarding $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities last year, we’re continuing that work by welcoming new communities and renewing Blue Shield designations for counties, towns and cities that remain committed to the program.”
Mark James, the Missouri Department of Public Safety director, said grants in the first year of the program led to police departments purchasing impressive amounts of equipment.
“Last year, the essential equipment provided by Blue Shield grants included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers, 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios and 56 vehicles,” James said. “We look forward to getting additional important equipment and training to our partners in local law enforcement.”
Mayberry said gaining the Blue Shield designation is a positive reflection on the city of Pevely.
“This is a proud time for the Pevely Police Department as we continue to grow and move to the future,” he said. “We are dedicated to serving the community and want to make the city as safe as possible.”