Department of Public Safety News Release

The Department of Public Safety today announced details of two events that will be held on May 4 and 5 to honor Missouri law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice as they protected their communities.

On Friday evening, May 4, a candlelight vigil will be held at the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial in tribute to all Missouri law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.  

On Saturday, May 5, the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service will be held in the Carnahan Memorial Garden, instead of the traditional location at the Law Enforcement Memorial. (The extensive Capitol construction project makes it impossible to hold the ceremony at the memorial because of the size of the ceremony.)

The names of Barry County Sheriff’s Office Master Sergeant Carl T. Cosper, Jr. and Clinton Police Department Officer Gary L. Michael, Jr., who died in the line of duty in 2017, will be added to the Law Enforcement Memorial’s Wall of Heroes. The names of two other officers who died in the line of duty in the past will also be added to the wall: Village of Miramiguoa Police Department Officer Kevin M. Dziejma, who died in 2015, and Platte County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Edward E. Culver, who died in 1917.

On April 7, 2017, Master Sgt. Cosper was killed in a vehicle collision on Missouri Highway 37 at County Road 1060 as he responded to a domestic violence call in the town of Seligman. Sgt. Cosper succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. Sgt. Cosper, 56, began his law enforcement career with the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office. He had served 10 years with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office.

On Aug. 6, 2017, Officer Michael was shot and killed during a traffic stop. He had stopped the vehicle for a routine registration violation when the driver exited the vehicle and opened fire with a rifle. Despite being mortally wounded, Officer Michael returned fire and wounded the gunman. The gunman fled the scene and was captured two days later. Officer Michael, 37 and a U.S. Army veteran, had served with the Clinton Police Department for less than a year.

On May 18, 2015, Officer Dziejma had made a traffic stop and was conducting warrant checks on two subjects when he collapsed from a heart attack. Two sheriff’s deputies who had responded to provide backup performed CPR until EMS arrived. Officer Dziejma, 64, passed away at a hospital. He had served in law enforcement for seven years.

On June 23, 1917, Deputy Culver and another deputy were breaking up a fight at a saloon in Drydale. A subject was able to disarm the other deputy and shoot Deputy Culver in the chest. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Culver returned fire and killed the gunman. Deputy Culver, 60, had served with the Platte County Sheriff’s Office for four years.

The families of the fallen and representatives of law enforcement agencies from across Missouri will participate in Saturday’s solemn ceremony. Gov. Eric Greitens will be the guest speaker at the ceremony.  

Friday, May 4

WHAT:           Candlelight vigil honoring Missouri law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

WHO:             Families and friends of those who have died
​                        Law enforcement officers from across Missouri

WHERE:         Law Enforcement Memorial at the Missouri State Capitol, located on North Capitol Drive in Jefferson City (In case of inclement weather the event will be held in the Capitol Rotunda.)

WHEN:           8 p.m. Friday, May 4

Saturday, May 5

WHAT:           Memorial Service honoring Missouri law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

WHO:             Gov. Eric Greitens
                        Department of Public Safety Director Drew Juden
​                        Families and friends of those who have died
​                        Law enforcement officers from across Missouri

WHERE:         Carnahan Memorial Garden, 101 Jefferson Street, East, between the State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion (In case of inclement weather the event will be held at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Training Academy,1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City.)

WHEN:           10 a.m. Saturday, May 5

For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov