Arthur Brophy selected as Joplin Police Department Officer of the Month

(From the Joplin Police Department)

JPD is proud to recognize Officer Arthur Brophy, who was selected as the November 2020 Officer of the Month. Please join us in congratulating him on his achievement. His award was based on the following:

"On February 18th, 2020, Officer Brophy responded to an address in reference to a male subject that had passed away. Upon his arrival, Officer Brophy was assigned to stand guard as to not allow anyone entry into the residence. 

This is an important and sometimes hard moment for police officers as they must maintain scene integrity until a determination of cause of death has been determined. This incident proved to be one of the harder moments for Officer Brophy.

It was during this time that Officer Brophy was approached by the mother of the deceased who requested entry into the residence. Officer Brophy said, “I’m sorry momma, I can’t, I have to guard his body." 

The mother then advised Officer Brophy that he did not need to guard the body from her as she would not hurt him. Officer Brophy again said, “I’m so sorry momma." 

The mother, obviously distraught, advised Officer Brophy that if he did not let her through then she was going to punch him in the face. Officer Brophy replied, “if that will make things better you can go ahead”. It was at this time the mother laid her head on his shoulder and cried as Officer Brophy patted her back and consoled her.

The mother sent a letter to our department recently describing this interaction with Officer Brophy back in February. She advised that in her most devastated and heart-breaking time in her life Officer Brophy acted both as an officer and a friend. 

Since February, this mother has had the occasion to see Officer Brophy when he is working in the community. Officer Brophy always shows her a smile and asks, “How are you doing, Momma?" 

This encounter serves as an excellent reminder of the professionalism and excellent work our officers provide to our citizens each and every day. 

Thank you, Officer Brophy, for your service, hard work, and dedication to our profession and the citizens we serve. 

Respectfully,
Sloan A. Rowland
Chief of Police