Joplin community gathers to honor fallen officer Jake Reed

Family, community and law enforcement and others gathered today at Missouri Southern’s Leggett & Platt Athletic Center to honor fallen Joplin Police Officer Jake Reed.

“Early on, Jake made a decision to be an organ donor,” Joplin Police Chief Sloan Rowland said.

“Through this act,” Rowland continued, “Jake saved the lives of numerous people around this country. My fervent hope is that someday, those individuals will learn of this remarkable man and will honor him with a life well-lived, a life filled with full of love, compassion and humor, just like Jake lived his life.”

Officer Reed was only 27 years old.

Reed and Officer Benjamin Cooper were killed in action when responding to a disturbance.

A third policeman, Officer Rick Hirshey, was seriously injured but has since been released from the hospital.