Joplin police officer Rick Hirshey cleared to return to duty

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The Joplin Police Department is happy to announce that Officer Rick Hirshey has been cleared to return to work on light duty status and reported back to JPD earlier this morning. 

Officers on light duty status, who are not cleared for full enforcement duties, are able to assist with administrative duties at the department. 

Officer Hirshey was shot in the face during an officer involved shooting on March 8, 2022. 

Tragically, two other officers, Corporal Ben Cooper and Officer Jake Reed, died from injuries sustained during the incident. 

Officer Hirshey remained hospitalized for eight days before being discharged and has spent the last 96 days at home recovering and healing from his wounds. We are proud to welcome him back and wish him the best as he continues his recovery process to get back to full duty.