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Governor Parson Announces Over $6.3 Million in Grants to Missouri Law Enforcement, Fire Service, and EMS Providers

Governor Parson Announces Over $6.3 Million in Grants to Missouri Law Enforcement, Fire Service, and EMS Providers

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Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Missouri Department of Public Safety has approved 428 grants totaling over $6.3 million to law enforcement, fire service, and EMS providers across the state for new equipment, supplies, personnel, and training. Grant funded equipment includes patrol vehicles, mobile data terminals, firefighter turnout gear, extrication equipment, cardiac monitors, and emergency communications radios. Grants to additional law enforcement, fire service, and EMS agencies are still under review.

“Meeting with first responders and traveling to disaster scenes across the state, we know how essential it is that these devoted public servants have the essential equipment and training they need to do their jobs,” Governor Parson said. “These grants mean law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel will be better equipped in performing their lifesaving work and protecting the public.”  

“This additional funding of more than $6.3 million can truly make a difference for local first responder agencies,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten said. “Developing these new grants and then working with the hundreds of diverse applicants was a major accomplishment for our Department of Public Safety grants team. We greatly appreciate the team’s hard work and commitment.”

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The maximum grant amount to recipients was $20,000. Grants were awarded as follows:

  • Law Enforcement: To date, a total of 106 law enforcement agencies have been approved to receive a total of over $1.6 million for equipment, including patrol vehicles, mobile data terminals, and investigative technology and software. The list of law enforcement grant recipients is available here.
  • Fire Safety: To date, a total of 224 fire service agencies have been approved to receive a total of over $3 million for equipment, including turnout gear, extrication equipment, and thermal imaging cameras. The list of fire service grant recipients is available here.
  • EMS: To date, a total of 98 emergency medical service providers have been approved to receive a total of over $1.6 million for equipment, including automatic compression devices, cardiac monitors, and emergency communications radios. The list of EMS grant recipients is available here.

The grant application has closed; however, grant recipient lists will be updated periodically as additional grants are finalized.

The funding for these public safety grants is made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and was part of Governor Parson’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget plan. The Missouri Department of Public Safety is the grant administrator.  

Eligible grant expenditures include equipment, supplies, training/travel, personnel, and benefits. Some equipment may have specific requirements to be eligible for funding. The grants require a local match of 50 percent (for example, if the total cost of a project were $40,000, the local recipient would be responsible for $20,000 and the ARPA share of the grant would be $20,000). Local ARPA grant funds may be utilized for the local match.

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Flock Camera System Put Back Up, Despite Camden County Ban

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In a twist to the story, as of 1:09 PM on January 16, 2024, a truck was spotted on the scene reinstalling another camera to the same pole from which Commisoner Skelton is alleged to have removed the previous one, indicating a quick response by either the state department or possibly Flock Group to reinstate their surveillance equipment.,

– Camden County Presiding Commissioner Ike Skelton finds himself at the center of a legal storm after reportedly taking down a license plate reader (LPR) system installed by Flock Group, Inc., on Highway 54 near D-Road. The incident, which has sparked a debate over privacy versus public safety, occurred just days ago, leading to an ongoing investigation by local authorities.

According to reports, Skelton was observed by a Missouri Highway Patrol trooper in the act of removing the surveillance equipment from its pole. The trooper immediately notified both the Camden County Sheriff’s Office and the Highway Patrol, prompting the latter to take charge of the investigation. This action follows a contentious ordinance passed by the Camden County Commission in January 2024, which banned all automated license plate readers within the unincorporated areas of the county, citing concerns over privacy and potential violations of constitutional rights.

Skelton, an advocate for limited government and individual liberty, has been vocal about his opposition to such surveillance technologies. His stance has previously led to public disputes, including a notable disagreement with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives over firearm permit information sharing. The recent incident with the LPR system is seen by some as an extension of his commitment to protecting residents’ privacy rights, while others view it as an overstep of authority.

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The Flock camera in question was part of a study agreement with the Missouri Department of Public Safety, aimed at assessing the effectiveness of license plate reader technology in criminal investigations. Critics argue that these cameras are essential tools for law enforcement, enabling quick identification of stolen vehicles or vehicles associated with criminal activity. However, supporters of Skelton’s actions highlight the potential for misuse of such extensive surveillance capabilities, questioning the balance between security and personal freedoms.

The investigation continues without clear indications of whether charges will be filed. The legal implications could set a precedent for how local governments interact with state or private surveillance initiatives, especially in areas where local ordinances conflict with broader public safety efforts.

The Camden County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Missouri Department of Public Safety, is expected to release more details as the investigation progresses. Meanwhile, the community remains divided, with debates on social media and local forums reflecting the broader national conversation about surveillance, privacy, and law enforcement’s role in modern society.

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Iowa vs. Missouri: Music City Bowl 2024

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The stage is set for a classic Big Ten versus SEC showdown as the Iowa Hawkeyes prepare to take on the Missouri Tigers in the 2024 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. With kickoff scheduled for 1:30 PM CT on Monday, December 30, the betting community has its eyes glued to the latest odds and predictions.

Missouri steps onto the field as the slight favorite, with the spread sitting at -2.5 points, according to recent updates. The game’s over/under is set at a conservative 40.5 points, hinting at a potential defensive battle. This matchup pits two teams with contrasting end-of-season narratives; Missouri aims for a second straight 10-win season, while Iowa looks to close out the year on a positive note despite dealing with key player opt-outs for the NFL Draft and the transfer portal.

Predictions are leaning towards Missouri covering the spread, with analysts citing the Tigers’ offensive firepower, even without star receiver Luther Burden III, who has opted out to prepare for the draft. Missouri’s quarterback, Brady Cook, is expected to lead the charge, showcasing his resilience after returning from a mid-season injury.

On the other side, Iowa faces challenges with the absence of their star running back, Kaleb Johnson, who has also opted out. However, fans and bettors are reminded of Iowa’s defensive tradition, which could keep them in the game despite offensive shortcomings.

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The betting line has seen some movement, with sharps reportedly favoring Iowa at +3.5 points, suggesting confidence in the Hawkeyes’ ability to keep it close or potentially upset the Tigers.

As the clock ticks down to game day, both teams are expected to bring their A-game in what is anticipated to be a low-scoring, hard-fought battle in Nashville. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if Missouri can leverage their slight favorite status or if Iowa can defy the odds with their defense-first strategy.

For those looking to place a wager or simply follow the action, this Music City Bowl promises to be a testament to the strategic depth and competitive spirit of college football.

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Threat received at School of the Osage Middle School

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Osage Beach, MO – On 12/19/2024, at approximately 3:12 p.m. the Osage Beach Police Department received a call from School of the Osage Officials regarding a threat received by staff at the Middle School. Our School Resource Officer along with additional Osage Beach Officers, Detectives and Officers from the Miller County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri

Highway Patrol responded to the Middle School Campus to assist.
The decision was made to delay dismissal until sufficient manpower was on scene to ensure the students and staff’s safety.


The initial investigation revealed that there was no active threat to school, however there is an active investigation being conducted by the Osage Beach Police Department. If the individual(s) responsible for this act are identified, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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