Today (March 8, 2026) marks four years since three Joplin Police officers were shot in the line of duty.

We honor and remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Corporal Ben Cooper and Officer Jake Reed. We also honor and thank Rick Hirshey for his service to our community.

Cpl. Cooper and Ofc. Reed responded to a disturbance call at a shopping center in the 400 block of Geneva Avenue. While they attempted to take the subject into custody, the man opened fire on them, critically wounding Ofc. Reed and Cpl. Cooper. The man then stole one of their service weapons and a patrol car. He continued firing at pursuing officers until he crashed near the intersection of East 9th Street and Connecticut Avenue. The man proceeded to take cover behind a van and opened fire on Officer Hirshey, who was still inside his patrol car, severely wounding him. The man continued shooting at other responding officers until being fatally wounded by return fire.

Corporal Cooper was taken to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries a short time later. Officer Reed remained on life support until his death after his organs were donated on March 11th, 2022.

As today is the anniversary of Corporal Benjamin Lee Cooper’s passing, we are keeping his family, our police department, and citizens in our prayers as we continue to honor him and his sacrifice.

Corporal Cooper was a U.S Army veteran and had served 19 years in law enforcement, beginning his career with the Joplin Police Department in 2003. Corporal Cooper is survived by his wife and two daughters.

On March 11, we will post in remembrance of the life of Officer Jake Reed.
While we continue to mourn the loss of our brave brothers, we are proud to remember them, honor them, and continue daily to pass on the stories and legacy they left behind at JPD.

Joplin Police Department