Post 114 in Sikeston, Mo., hosts Salute to Law Enforcement Luncheon, drawing personnel from more than eight agencies – and Missouri’s governor.
In October 2025, Sikeston Police Officer Henry Franklin was killed in the line of duty at age 41 when he was shot and killed by a barricaded suspect. Six months later, American Legion Post 114 in Sikeston was instrumental in the erecting of a memorial bench at Veterans Park that honors Franklin, who served nearly 20 years in the military in both the Missouri Army National Guard and the U.S. Army, deploying twice to Iraq as a member of the 101st Airborne Division.
Three months later, Post 114 again made honoring area law enforcement a priority, hosting a Salute to Law Enforcement Luncheon that drew personnel from at least eight of the state’s law enforcement agencies, as well as a visit from Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe.
The idea for the luncheon came from Post 114 Commander Frankie Adams, who spent 18 of his 22 years at the Sikeston Department of Public Safety as the agency’s canine handler. During that time, he developed relationships with many leaders at other law enforcement agencies, which came in handy when he began sending out invites for the luncheon.
“I invited everybody between here and the border of Arkansas, and as far west as the Mississippi River and to the far end of New Madrid and Scott Counties. And we invited the (Missouri State) Highway Patrol,” Adams said. “It’s just to let them know, ‘Hey, you’re not forgotten.’ And the whole Legion Family was involved in it, which was pretty nice.”
At the luncheon, local members of Scouting America recited the Pledge of Allegiance, while the award-winner Sikeston High School Cheerleaders provided a few cheers and helped serve lunch. Attendees were served fried catfish, coleslaw, baked beans, hush puppies and French fries – but there was another highlight to the event for Adams.
“A lot of times these agencies work together but never get a chance to sit down and talk,” he said. “We invited them to come early so they could interact with each other. It was really nice seeing that many different agencies gathering here and doing a little fellowship.”
In addition to the governor, other attendees included Sikeston City Manager Jon “JD” Douglass, Sikeston Mayor Greg Turnbow and local members of the Missouri General Assembly.
On his Facebook page, Kehoe wrote, “It was an honor to spend time today at the American Legion Post 114 with the dedicated members of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety and law enforcement agencies in the region. We appreciate their service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the people of Southeast Missouri.”
Adams said he wanted to do something positive for area law enforcement and remind people of their value to the community.
“Law enforcement gets a lot of support, but they still feel the heat from a few bad apples,” he said. “We wanted to give back to them … and to all the law enforcement. We wanted to focus on the positive. It was a big ‘thank you.’
“When danger happens, everyone runs away. This group intentionally runs toward it. This was a chance to show them, ‘We love and appreciate you.’”
- Community