Insurance company reverses decision on officer

Missouri Employers Mutual, the city’s workers’ compensation insurance provider, has reconsidered and will now consider Officer Kendle Blackburn’s COVID-19 related death as “in the line of duty.” The City of Lebanon learned Friday that Blackburn’s family was being denied the benefits that go along with having a “line of duty” death. On Tuesday afternoon, they learned that the decision had been reversed. “We are thankful Missouri Employers Mutual made this decision,” Lebanon Mayor JaredCarr said in a statement to the media. “We recognize the sacrifice Officer Blackburn made for our community and while we know he can never be replaced, hopefully these benefits will help ease the burden on Officer Blackburn’s family.” For more on this story see Saturday's LCR.