J.D. Love honored with street naming in Joplin [Video]

JOPLIN, Mo. — A Joplin man who’s left his mark with decades of public service now has a spot he can claim as his own in Joplin.

“I truly believe there’s not a Keenan Cortez if there’s not a J.D. Love. He blazed a trail and made things I’m doing today available because of what he did then,” said Keenan Cortez, Joplin mayor.

Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez is a big fan of J.D. Love – and he’s not alone.

“When I was born, he was six years on the job already – then I had the pleasure of working with him a few years before he retired,” said JPD Asst. Chief Brian Lewis.

This Juneteenth – they’re joined by dozens of other family members and friends to recognize Love’s decades of service.

“I just think this is just a great community moment. People came out in full force to support. …