Joplin honors former longtime officer JD Love with ceremonial street naming

What an honor for a longtime Joplin police officer. 

JD Love, who spent nearly 30 years on the JPD, was recognized for his years of dedication to the community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of the JD Love Way street sign at the corner of McKee Ave and Central St. 

“I can remember when Rangeline road was a two-lane highway and all the land southeast and southwest of Joplin was all farmland,” Love said. “I joined the police force in 1965 … and I stayed there 28 years.”

Love continued to thank everyone who showed up to give him their respect.

“I sure appreciate this gathering, and I’ll never forget it,” Love said.

Several members of the city spoke in special regards to Love, who retired in 1993 after serving 28 years with the JPD before spending three more years as the county coroner. One of those people was Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez, who had this to say about the longtime Joplin first responder.

“I was sitting there getting a little emotional because there is no Keenan Cortez, the mayor of the City of Joplin, without JD Love. I don’t know how you can thank someone for that, how you can honor them and how you can make it up to them. But, I think today is a good start.”

After his time on the police force, Love spent two terms as the city coroner and spent 10 years and the St. John’s Regional Medical Center.

Love’s signs will be added to the existing street signs along McKee Ave between Central St and Third St.