Hartzler Leads House Resolution Honoring the Lives of Fallen Joplin, Missouri Police Officers

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) introduced a House resolution in honor of three Joplin, Missouri Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty in March. Corporal Benjamin Lee Cooper of the Joplin Police Department, Police Officer Jake Alexander Reed of the Joplin Police Department, and Patrolman Lane Anthony Burns of the Bonne Terre Police Department lost their lives in service to their communities.
This resolution is the companion to a Senate version introduced last week by Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Roy Blunt.
“When duty called, Joplin Police Corporal Benjamin Cooper, Joplin Police Officer Jake Reed, and Bonne Terre Police Officer Lane Burns responded to protect their fellow Missourians from harm. Tragically, these three law enforcement officers gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Hartzler said. “We will never be able to repay these heroes for their courageous actions, but we can honor them and express our gratitude for their service. Every day, our police officers put our family, friends, and loved ones over their own. I thank them for their unselfish and steadfast commitment to our communities.”
“Every time a law enforcement officer reports for their shift, neither they nor their families know what dangerous situations they may face,” said Blunt. “Law enforcement officers’ selfless dedication is a powerful testament to their courage and character. In recent weeks, three of Missouri’s finest lost their lives in the line of duty. Joplin Police Corporal Benjamin Cooper, Joplin Police Officer Jake Reed, and Bonne Terre Police Officer Lane Burns did not hesitate to put the safety of others ahead of their own. We are grateful they answered the call to serve and we owe a deep debt of gratitude to their families.”
“The loss of Corporal Cooper, Officer Reed, and Patrolman Burns is a tragedy and their heroic actions will not be forgotten” said Hawley. “I thank the brave men and women who wear blue across our state. They selflessly risk their lives every day for our safety.“
Following introduction, Missouri Reps. Jason Smith, Blaine Luetkemeyer, and Billy Long joined Hartzler on the resolution.
Below is the text of the House resolution:
Title: Honoring the lives of fallen Missouri police officers and expressing condolences to their families.
Whereas police officers, sheriffs and deputies, and other law enforcement officers serve and protect their communities with honor and sacrifice;
Whereas all individuals in law enforcement put their lives on the line while serving and protecting their local communities;
Whereas when violent crime increases, law enforcement officers and the communities they serve are directly impacted;
Whereas, in the month of March 2022, Missouri experienced violent attacks against police officers, especially in rural areas;
Whereas, in a 20-day period, 6 police officers in Missouri were shot in the line of duty, 3 of whom suffered injuries that were fatal; and
Whereas these fallen officers include—
1. Corporal Benjamin Lee Cooper of the Joplin Police Department, who passed away in the line of duty on March 8, 2022, after attempting to take a suspect into custody;
2. Police Officer Jake Alexander Reed of the Joplin Police Department, who passed away from injuries sustained in the line of duty on March 11, 2022, after attempting to take a suspect into custody; and
3. Patrolman Lane Anthony Burns of the Bonne Terre Police Department, who passed away in the line of duty on March 17, 2022, after responding to a disturbance: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
1. expresses deep condolences for the Missouri police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty;
2. recognizes the countless selfless and heroic actions carried out by local law enforcement officers;
3. expresses strong support for police officers and law enforcement officers in rural areas and across the United States that serve and protect their local communities;
4. recognizes the need to ensure that rural law enforcement departments have the proper equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect officers and the individuals in the communities they serve;
5. acknowledges the importance of honoring and remembering fallen police and local law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty; and
6. expresses condolences to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer across the United States who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and whose sacrifice will not be forgotten.