Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered that U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff on June 11, 2025, in honor of Bernie Police Department Lieutenant Eddie Mays. This directive applies to government buildings in Stoddard County, all police stations, sheriffs’ offices, and Missouri State Highway Patrol headquarters across the state.
Governor Kehoe stated, “Lieutenant Eddie Mays devoted his life to serving others, first in the U.S. Air Force and then as a deputy sheriff and police officer.” He added, “We owe a tremendous debt to the dedicated heroes like Eddie, who take the oath of office and carry out its ideals each day they put on their uniform and badge to answer the call no matter the danger or risk to themselves. Lieutenant Mays fulfilled his oath to serve and protect, and Missouri will be forever grateful.”
Lieutenant Mays died on June 5 while responding to a domestic violence call. After successfully handcuffing a resisting suspect, he suffered a medical emergency that led to his passing.
Mays had served in the Air Force from 1988 until 1993 before attending Southeast Missouri State University Law Enforcement Training Academy. He was issued a Missouri Peace Officer License on November 22, 1998. His career included time with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff until January 1, 2005, service with the Bloomfield Police Department, and joining the Bernie Police Department in January 2013 where he rose through ranks from sergeant in July 2013 to lieutenant by December 2023.
The half-staff order coincides with Lieutenant Mays’ memorial service day.
