JEFFERSON CITY - A candlelight vigil was held at the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial on Friday in tribute to all Missouri law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

In preparation for the vigil, the Missouri Department of Public Safety posted on Facebook announcing four bronze plaques were installed in the Wall of Honor in memory of the four officers who died last year. Two others were also installed to honor two officers who died in the line of duty in the early 1900s.

Cody R. Allen – On Feb. 29, 2024, Independence Police Department Officer Cody Allen was shot and killed while responding to the shooting of Jackson County Civil Process Server Drexel Mack, who had been serving an eviction notice.

Stephen A. Singer – Early on the morning of April 8, 2024, Lake Lafayette Police Department Chief Steven Singer died in his home as a result of a heart attack. The evening before, he had pursued several suspects who were trespassing with utility task vehicles (UTV) near the dam at Lake Lafayette.

Phylicia Carson – On Aug. 31, 2024, Osage Beach Police Department Officer Phylicia Carson was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to assist another officer involved in a vehicle pursuit.

David Lee III – On Sept. 22, 2024, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Lee III was struck by a vehicle and killed while assisting at the scene of a motor vehicle crash on eastbound I-70. Officer Lee was setting out flares when a speeding drunk driver lost control of his vehicle and struck him.

Noah Bowles – On Feb. 8, 1904, Lewistown Marshal Noah Bowles was attempting to arrest a man for public intoxication on a railway platform in Lewistown. The suspect, who had allegedly been harassing passengers on a recently arrived train, fatally shot Marshal Bowles with a revolver.

George D. Hooper – On March 17, 1918, Webb City Police Department Chief George Hooper was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire. He had approached a gunman who had been firing a handgun and pursuing a woman on foot near railroad tracks. The gunman shot Chief Hooper, who returned fire. A deputy sheriff shot and killed the gunman.

These six officers now join the wall of 746 others who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

At 8 P.M., a crowd gathered at the Law Enforcement Memorial. Many in the crowd held lighted candles as they listened to speakers who mainly consisted of family members of officers who died serving.

The Capitol dome was lit blue ahead of the vigil and will stay lit until sunrise on Sunday, May 4.

President of Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation and Jefferson City Police Detective Jason Ambler was in attendance. He believes that lighting up the dome shows the Missouri government’s commitment to its law enforcement.

“Governor Kehoe, there is no doubt, supports law enforcement, and we are very grateful for that,” Ambler said. “To light the dome in blue shows the State’s respect of the ceremonies as well as their commitment to law enforcement.”

Also among the crowd was the family of deceased Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith. Griffith was shot and killed back in 2023 during a 14-hour standoff . His family founded the Chief Mason Griffith Foundation. The family and foundation has made it their mission to continue Mason’s legacy by assisting first responders. Angela Koepke, Mason’s mother-in-law and Daily Operations Director for the foundation, urges all to keep a positive view on those who are sworn to protect.

“People look down on law enforcement, but when they need them, those guys are the first ones to step in and protect anybody," Koepke said.