In Memory of Major Rickie A. Groves

COVID Takes the Life of Missouri Officer

Missouri authorities were disheartened to announce the loss of a veteran police officer to the coronavirus. Major Rickie A. Groves, age 69, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2020. A veteran Missouri police officer whose final act was to give his life for others.

It is assumed that Major Groves was in contact with the virus through his work with the Kennett Police Department. This Missouri police agency, like many across the globe, most recently became a hotbed of viral spread. Many officers face their duties each day with a new threat among them, one that they cannot see, hear, or smell. Each day they continue to meet their responsibilities, putting their lives on the line to protect others.

Major Groves fought valiantly against the virus. He is presumed to have been infected on September 17. The police department had several employees and officers who tested positive around that time. It was a month later that Groves passed due to complications that had arisen from COVID19.

Kennett Police Department

Major Groves gave nearly 36 years of his life to the Kennett Police Department in Missouri. The Chief of the Kennett Police Department is Kenny Wilson. The agency’s mission is to provide a positive difference in the lives of the citizens they protect. With professionally supported and highly trained police officers, the Kennett Police Department works to provide a safe and prosperous environment for the city of Kennett, Missouri.

Large Family Loses Icon

From this untimely loss, a large Missouri family has lost their icon, their family hero. Major Rickie A. Groves leaves behind five children. His extended family, friends, and fellow officers share their loss.

The Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office posted their condolences for Major Groves and his family. “The Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office extends sincere condolences to the Kennett Police Department and the family of Major Rick Groves. Major Groves lost his battle to complications of Covid 19. Rick selflessly served the Citizens of Kennett for over 35 years, and the impact he made on many Officers will live on for years to come. Rest Easy 902, we have the watch.”

Our young American hero, Zecchariah Cartledge, with his foundation Running 4 Heroes, dedicated a mile run in honor of Major Groves. Zecchariah runs one mile for each life lost of an officer, raising money to help the families of those fallen. He held a remarkable run for Major Groves.

The Tri-County Lodge #3 of the Fraternal Order of Police posted the loss to their social media members. “Major Rickie Groves died after contracting COVID-19 during a presumed exposure at the Kennett Police Department. Major Groves had served with the Kennett Police Department for 35 years.”