CoxHealth Department of Public Safety, Missouri
End of Watch Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Add to My HeroesMonte Ruby
Officer Monte Ruby succumbed to an injury sustained four days earlier when he was assaulted by a prisoner who was receiving medical aid at Cox North Hospital at 1423 North Jefferson Avenue in Springfield.
The prisoner had been taken to the hospital for treatment from dog bites sustained during his arrest earlier in the evening. While in the emergency room, he became combative and kicked Officer Ruby in the neck. Despite his injury, Officer Ruby and a Springfield police officer were able to subdue the suspect.
Officer Ruby collapsed moments later and was immediately treated for a neck and spine injury caused by the kick. He succumbed to the injury four days later.
The prisoner was convicted of Officer Ruby's murder and sentenced to life plus 7 years for assault to be served consecutively.
Officer Ruby had served with the CoxHealth Department of Public Safety for 15 years and held a commission through the Greene County Sheriff's Department. He had previously served as a reserve officer with the Springfield Police Department. He is survived by his wife and children.
Bio
- Age 62
- Tour 15 years
- Badge 420
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Incident Date Saturday, August 2, 2008
- Weapon Person
- Offender Charged with murder
Most Recent Reflection
View all 147 ReflectionsI didn't get a chance to know you, but I've read dozens of sentiments and people I respect speak highly of you. CoxHealth Public Safety is highly respected today, and you're a part of that mission. They do an amazing job and your legacy is part of that. Thank you.
Trey Spooner, Paramedic
CoxHealth EMS
August 7, 2025
Recent LODD Deaths
Detective Timothy Jones
Park Forest Police Department, IL
EOW: December 3, 2025
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom
United States Department of Defense - Army National Guard - West Virginia Army National Guard, WV
EOW: November 27, 2025
Reserve Deputy Sheriff John C. Stahl, III
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: June 8, 2025
Sergeant Terri Jean Sweeting-Mashkow
Indian River County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2025
Police Officer Alec Sanders
Alhambra Police Department, CA
EOW: November 20, 2025
Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall
Virginia Department of Corrections, VA
EOW: November 17, 2025
Police Officer Marc Brock
Vivian Police Department, LA
EOW: November 14, 2025
Corporal Blake Adair Reynolds
Delaware County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: November 12, 2025
Police Officer Roger Smith
WakeMed Campus Police & Public Safety Department, NC
EOW: November 8, 2025

