The police valor medals were in place, the furniture in the governor’s Capitol office was rearranged and the reporters were assembled. But there was a suspicious void at the front of the room.

The four police officers being honored for their composure while facing personal danger weren’t there. No one had told them about Wednesday’s ceremony.

Missouri Public Safety Director Mark James apologized for the goof and announced after about 15 minutes that the event was canceled.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Matt Blunt said he used the sudden free time for a meeting. The police officers will get their medals at a later date.