BERNIE, Mo. (WSIL) -- Police are mourning the loss of an officer who passed away in the line of duty.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control, on June 5, at 4:53 p.m., law enforcement responded to an address on West Crumb Avenue in Bernie for a domestic disturbance. State police said Bernie Lieutenant Eddie Mays, 58, died while trying to take a man into custody.
Jeremy Blagg, 36 of Bernie, was taken into custody by members with the Bernie Police Department, Stoddard County Sheriff's Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol for a domestic assault charge, state police reported.
State police said their initial investigation indicated Mays may have died as a result of complications from a medical condition, however, the official cause of death is pending.
The investigation is still ongoing. An autopsy is also scheduled for Mays.
Bernie Police Department Chief Rick Cook stated Lieutenant Eddie Mays passed away on June 5.
Multiple area law enforcement agencies in Dunklin County, Stoddard County, Butler County and more extended their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lt. Mays and the Bernie Police Department on Friday.
Bernie Police Chief Rick Cook shared a statement...
💙In Honor of Officer Eddie Mays 792 💙
From Chief Rick Cook:
On 06/05/25, I faced one of the hardest moments of my career, and my life, as I said goodbye to not only a dedicated officer, but a true friend of 30 years.
Officer Eddie Mays faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Air Force and has served the Bernie Community as a dedicated police officer for many years. He served with strength, integrity and dedication. He was the kind of officer you could count on, dependable and deeply committed to doing what was right. But beyond the badge, Eddie was a loyal friend. A brother in blue, and someone I was proud to walk beside for so many years.
His loss leaves a hole in our department, in our town, and in our hearts.
To Eddie’s family: Thank you for sharing him with us. Please know his legacy will live on in our hearts of all who had the honor of knowing and working with him.
Rest easy, Eddie. We’ll miss the laughs, the honesty, and the brotherhood.
End Of Watch 06/05/25
The Poplar Bluff Police Department shared a statement...
The Poplar Bluff Police Department would like to offer our condolences to the Bernie Police Department for the passing of Lieutenant Eddie Mays while in the line of duty. Prayers go out for the men and women of the Bernie Police Department as well as the family and friends of Lieutenant Mays.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice 792. Rest easy, brother.
Multiple other agencies also shared statements on Eddie Mays as well...
