Wounded Joplin police officer continues to recover after shooting

Officer Rickey Hirshey has given over 20 years of his life to the Joplin Police Department in an effort to protect and serve.

He is currently in serious but stable condition after being shot in the face during an altercation with a suspect Tuesday. He encountered that suspect as he was trying to steal another vehicle from its owner.

Officer Hirshey pulled his patrol vehicle up to box in the suspect, to prevent escape and to end this violent rampage. The suspect fired through the patrol car window, striking Officer Hirshey in the face.

Officer Hirshey bravely confronted this active threat to protect other officers and citizens from further danger.

Police Chief Sloan Rowland tells us that Officer Hirshey is facing some challenges, including a number of surgeries to fix the damage that has been done, but he is expected to recover.

Sloan asks that you lift him and his family up in prayer as he recovers.

Joplin Mayor Ryan Stanley says Hirshey is well-known to the Joplin City Council, attending nearly every meeting.

“I cannot remember a meeting where he was not there,” said Stanley. “The community might not know this but Officer Hirshey retired from the Joplin Police Department three months ago. He chose to come back and continue to work. He chose to come back and continue to serve.”

Stanley praised Hirshey for his brave actions during the altercation Tuesday. “Officer Hirshey’s service to this community is a choice of commitment and a choice of sacrifice.”

Hirshey has also lead the Shop With A Cop Program and has been a D.A.R.E. leader.

“Officer Hirshey certainly served this community unbelievably well into retirement and then after retirement.”

The deadly incident Tuesday has claimed the life of Cpl. Benjamin Cooper and Officer Jake Reed.