A second Joplin Police officer is not expected to recover from injuries in a shooting on Tuesday.
Officer Jake Reed was one of the two officers shot as they were trying to arrest a suspect.
Corporal Ben Cooper died shortly after the shooting.
Officer Rick Hirshey stopped the suspect after he stole a patrol car.
He was shot in the face but remains in serious but stable condition.
He’s expected to recover.
A fourth officer, Captain William Davis, shot and killed the gunman.
Press Release
We are announcing the names and status of the other two officers from the incident Tuesday.
Officer Jake Reed responded to the initial call with Corporal Ben Cooper.
Jake began his career with our department in 2017.
Jake is a member of the Patrol Division.
After consulting with family, and with their permission, we are sad to inform you that Jake will not recover from his injuries.
Jake is an organ donor, and plans are underway for Jake’s heroic actions to bring life to people needing organ transplants.
We ask that you lift up his family in prayer as they grieve.
We are so proud, so thankful and forever in debt for his service to this community.
We are honored to have served with Jake.
Officer Rickey Hirshey is currently in serious but stable condition.
Officer Hirshey has over 20 years of service to the Joplin Police Department.
He is a member of our crime free team.
Officer Hirshey encountered the suspect as he was trying to steal another vehicle.
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.
Rick is facing some challenges but expected to recover.
We ask that you lift him and his family up in prayer as he recovers.
Captain William Davis engaged the suspect with his duty weapon and stopped the suspect just after Officer Hirshey was hit.
Captain Davis has been with the Police Department for over 15 years and is our current Public Information Officer.
It should be noted that Captain Davis left a position of cover exposing himself while the suspect was firing a weapon at officers.
If not for Captain Davis’ actions, additional officers or citizens could have been killed.
We ask that you also pray for Will and his family in the days to come.
Funeral arrangements will be made available in the days to come.
Several people have called asking how to help.
One way people can show their support would be to donate blood at the Community Blood Center, located at the North Park Mall.
