MISSOURI HERO: After Two Tours In Iraq, This Veteran Gave His Life Protecting Missourians

Officer Henry Franklin served two tours in Iraq, but it was back home serving his community of Sikeston, Mo., where Franklin lost his life in the line of duty.

This fall, Franklin was posthumously awarded Missouri's Red, White, and Blue Heart Award by Governor Mike Kehoe. The Red, White and Blue Heart Award is conferred upon first Missouri responders seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.

Franklin served in the National Guard and the Army, with nearly 20 years of military service and two tours in Iraq. Back home, Franklin spent 12 years as an officer with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

On October 6, 2025, the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office requested activation of the Sikeston DPS Special Operations Group – a SWAT team – after a local farmer was found dead. It was believed that the killer was barricaded in the farmer’s residence.

Officer Franklin deployed as a member of that Special Operations Group.

As they served an arrest warrant at the location, Officer Franklin was shot and killed by the suspect, who was concealed inside the residence. The gunman later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Missouri DPS said in tribute to Officer Franklin:

Officer Franklin devoted his life to courageously serving and protecting others, including almost 20 years in the military, two tours in Iraq, and over 12 years patrolling the streets of Sikeston as a member of Sikeston DPS. He died as he and other officers attempted to bring a murder suspect to justice. He will be remembered for bravely confronting violence and making the ultimate sacrifice so the community could live in safety.

Franklin is survived by his wife and four children. In April 2026, the community dedicated a memorial bench to Officer Franklin in Sikeston's Veterans Park.