Senator Schmitt Honors Joplin Police Captain William Davis as a Champion of Missouri to Cap Off National Police Week
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Eric Schmitt honored Joplin, Missouri Police Captain William Davis as a Champion of Missouri for his heroic actions to round out a busy National Police Week:
“Police don’t just represent the law in Missouri – their role in our communities is far deeper than that. They represent pillars of courage and sacrifice as well as a friendly helping hand for those in need, something every community is founded on. Over my tenure in public service, I have had the chance to not only meet but develop deeper relationships with police forces in Missouri. Captain Davis went above and beyond the call of duty, putting his life on the line to protect his community. It is an honor to represent officers such as Capt. William Davis, a deserved Champion of Missouri,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.
BACKGROUND:
- Capt. William Davis courageously stopped the deadly shooting spree on March 8, 2022, in Joplin that killed police Cpl. Benjamin Cooper and Officer Jake Reed and seriously wounded Officer Rick Hirshey – his champion resolution can be found attached.
- Senator Schmitt recently participated in a National Police Week Roundtable discussion, hosted by Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama.
- In his floor speech announcing his Champions of Missouri program in January, Senator Schmitt honored Hermann Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith, his partner Adam Sullentrup, and Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain Philip Gregory. Detective Sergeant Griffith was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2023, and Officer Adam Sullentrup was critically injured. Captain Gregory was honored for his storied career in law enforcement.
- Senator Schmitt also had the opportunity to meet Officer Sullentrup in person and give him his Champion of Missouri resolution recently.
