JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome and Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial to be lit blue from sunset on Friday, May 1, 2026 until sunrise on Sunday, May 3, in honor of Missouri’s fallen law enforcement officers.
“The Missouri Capitol dome will shine blue this weekend as we honor and remember our state’s law enforcement heroes who have paid the ultimate price for dedicating their lives to protecting their fellow Missourians,” said Governor Kehoe. “It takes courage, commitment, and selflessness to wear the badge each day and run toward the dangers that others flee. Our responsibility to preserve the legacy of the fallen and to support their survivors will never fail.”
This year, organizers of the annual Missouri Law Enforcement Candlelight Vigil and Memorial Service will hold the traditional ceremonies honoring fallen law enforcement officers on May1 and 2. The 2026 Candlelight Vigil will be held at the Law Enforcement Memorial on the north side of the State Capitol at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 1. The memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 2.
The names of two Missouri law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during 2025 have been added to the memorial’s Wall of Honor in advance of this year’s ceremonies. The Wall of Honor now includes 754 fallen Missouri law enforcement officers.
Eddie A. Mays – On June 5, 2025, Bernie Police Department Lieutenant Eddie A. Mays suffered a medical emergency as he was arresting a suspect who was resisting arrest.
Henry Franklin – On Oct. 6, 2025, Sikeston Department of Public Safety Police Officer Henry Franklin was shot and killed by a homicide suspect as Franklin and other tactical team members assisted in executing an arrest warrant.
The families of the fallen and representatives of law enforcement agencies from across Missouri will participate in the ceremonies. Governor Mike Kehoe and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway will deliver remarks at the service on Saturday.