Governor Kehoe Honors Missouri First Responders with Public Safety Medals

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Governor Mike Kehoe on Wednesday afternoon awarded Missouri Public Safety Medals to 29 first responders, two corrections officers, and a court officer for heroic and life-saving actions in 2024.

Among the honorees was Crystal City Police Officer Tyler Griffin, recognized for his bravery during a December 8, 2024 incident involving an armed gunman. The suspect, who had already killed his girlfriend in Arkansas, opened fire near a Festus fast-food restaurant before crashing his truck in Crystal City. Officer Griffin confronted the man, who was wearing body armor and armed with two handguns. After verbal commands failed and the gunman posed an immediate deadly threat, Griffin used his rifle to stop him.

The suspect survived and now faces murder charges in Arkansas.