Jefferson City — Today, on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Acting Governor Mike Kehoe ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Gasconade County on Sunday, March 19, in honor of Hermann Police Department Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith. Griffith was also Chief of the Rosebud Police Department.

“From boyhood, Mason Griffith dreamed of being a police officer, and Gasconade County and Missouri are better off today because he fulfilled his dream,” Governor Parson said. “Sadly, only after his tragic, senseless death are we coming to understand the full extent of Griffith’s selfless commitment to public service: aided citizens at all hours, strengthened law enforcement through training, and always prioritized service to his fellow man. Mason Griffith’s death is a reminder of the countless good deeds our law enforcement officers routinely perform each day. His time with us was much too short, but we will always remain grateful to him and his family for their sacrifice.”

“Detective Sergeant Griffith was a model officer, committed to honorably serving the people of Hermann, Rosebud, and Gasconade County,” Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe said. “This senseless act of violence is a solemn reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face each day to keep our communities safe, and the debt we owe them for their courageous service. Claudia and I continue to pray for Mason’s family and the entire law enforcement community during this difficult time.”

On March 12, Detective Sergeant Griffith was on duty with the Hermann Police Department when he was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a suspect with outstanding warrants.

Detective Sergeant Griffith, 34, graduated from the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Training Academy and received his Missouri Peace Officer license on November 29, 2010. During his career, he had also served with the Gerald Police Department and the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office.

Detective Sergeant Griffith was a field training officer and was recognized by the Missouri Crisis Intervention Team (MO CIT) Council in March 2022 for his many interventions and de-escalations of situations with people in behavioral health crisis and for coordinating a micro-CIT Council in Gasconade County. He also helped build a network of behavioral health intervention resources in Gasconade County.    

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Detective Sergeant Griffith is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here.