179th Entrant Officer Class Honors Fallen Officer

Taking part in a KCPD tradition, recruits from the 179th Entrant Officer Class ran in honor of a fallen officer Joseph Keenan on the morning of January 26. The run historically takes place before graduation, which will take place on February 8.

At police headquarters downtown, Deputy Chief Steve Young spoke with the recruits before the run, thanking them for having the selflessness and courage to serve Kansas City. Afterward, the recruits ran to Union Ave. & Forester Rd. That was the area where Keenan lost his life in 1903.

On June 2, 1903, Keenan was in a boat attempting to rescue people from flood waters. When his boat capsized, Keenan was swept away. Keenan served with KCPD for three years.

January 26 was Keenan’s birthday. He was born in 1872.