Heroes Museum

12/15/2025

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) -- A New York-based foundation has eliminated the mortgage burden for the widow of a Joplin police officer killed in the line of duty.

12/15/2025

12/14/2025

Claire would like to thank everyone that stopped by the museum and made donations and everyone involved in the community that donated or helped with this years Toys for Tots Christmas project. Claire was able to purchase 104 bicycles and $600. worth of toys. As Claire would say it was a blessed day! We will have some very happy kids this Christmas.
Merry Christmas everyone!
The Heroes Museum

11/21/2025

The country lost a giant. These men served a country that looked down upon them as second-class citizens or even worse. They performed admirably during battle using the Code Talker system that helped battlefield commanders make quick decisions to win battles and save their fellow soldiers/marines lives. They won the war. Came home and couldn't tell anyone what they did because it was still classified until 1968. They were treated like s**t after the war and many struggled but they never turned their back on their country. They were proud of what they did. Rightfully so. They were extraordinary heroes but looked at themselves more as husbands, fathers, brothers, and mentors to the next generation. May we never forget their sacrifices and may we never forget their names. We must pass to each generation, their names and stories. May God rest their souls.

11/06/2025

09/11/2025

Today we honor K9 Cezar who was killed in the line of duty in 2007.

On September 11, 2007, Officer Gabe Allen and his partner K9 Cezar were dispatched to Buffalo Wild Wings for an armed robbery that had just occurred. When Allen and Cezar arrived on scene, suspect Paul White was fleeing the scene on foot. A foot chase ensued in which Cezar was shot above his right eye. Suspect Paul White was cornered by police in a shed behind Fuddruckers restaurant where he eventually was apprehended and taken into custody by officers. Cezar was taken to a Joplin veterinarian who cares for the department's K‐9's where he later succumbed to his injury. White was sentenced to four years for shooting and killing a police dog.

09/02/2025

Firefighter Appreciation Month is a chance to pause and recognize the work you do every day.

From fires and medical calls to accidents and wildland deployments, you face challenges most people can’t imagine, and you do it without hesitation. The hours are long, the sacrifices are real, and the toll can be heavy. But your impact on your communities, crews, and those who count on you is immeasurable.

This month is about saying what often goes unsaid out loud: your commitment doesn’t go unnoticed. Your communities trust you, your families support you, and your brothers and sisters in the fire service rely on you.

Thank you for the work you do, the sacrifices you make, and for showing up day after day. Stay safe, stay sharp, and keep taking care of one another.

Photo Credit: Richard Hester

08/15/2025

🔒 They spoke a language no enemy could crack — only freedom could understand.

Today we honor the legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers — WWII heroes whose unbreakable code saved countless lives and helped turn the tide of war.

08/04/2025

Joplinites share a cascade of condolences at the news J.D. Love has passed away in Joplin >> https://bit.ly/40SinMB -

Last year the City of Joplin and East Town Dreams District Honored Love by renaming the street he grew up on, J.D. Love Way.

08/02/2025

R.I.P. Butch Rowland we will miss you!