DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled

Man-Honored

Photo By Brigida Sanchez | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Officer Julian Keen, Jr. grew...... read more read more

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

06.21.2021

Story by Brigida Sanchez

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District

Keen held his inspiration to serve close to his heart. He was bold and confident when it came to pursuing his dream.

Lieutenant Pamela Steelman, FWC Officer, one of Officer Keen's mentors, spoke to his commitment. "In high school, Julian came off the football field and told me he would grow up to be a game warden. And I told him, 'come and see me when you graduate from college.'

Julian did just that. He applied; it took him a while; he passed the physical test with no problem. He had some trouble with swimming. We worked with him, and he became a good swimmer, and even though it took him a while," Steelman says with a proud smile, "he never gave up."

Officer Keen already had a practice of service; he reaffirmed his dedication when he earned his shield. FWC Captain Lonnie Sushil remembers, "On his off time, he volunteered by coaching football and giving back to his community.

Julian showed young men like him that their opportunities were not restricted by their circumstances. He loved his time on the football field coaching and developing the next generation.

He did all of this, and he did not ask or expect anything in return. He was humble. He let his actions speak for him, and he was a true superhero."

In June 2020, FWC officer Keen was shot and killed in LaBelle, Florida, after attempting to stop a hit-and-run suspect while off-duty. He served more than six years with the FWC and was highly respected in his community. The passing of Keen was an event that crushed the heart of the LaBelle community. Over a thousand people came to memorialize the selfless officer.

Through chance, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart met Keen and, after the tragedy, attended his memorial service. It was then that Congressman Diaz-Balart decided to recruit the help of Congressman Greg Steube and find a way to commemorate the fallen officer by renaming the Moore Haven Lock and Dam as the Julian Keen, Jr. Lock and Dam.

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) typically names its structures after geographical features such as a nearby settlement, body of water, or by the name of the area or region." However, writes USACE curator Eric A. Reinert in email correspondence. "It was only later on that projects were renamed after someone, by an act of congress as in this case with Moore Haven."

The clouds hung low, and the crisp steps of the color guard echoed lament in the dense South Florida air on Friday, June 18, 2021, at the Moore Haven Lock and Dam's renaming ceremony.

"Wildlife Officer Julian Keen, Jr. embodied the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage," said Col. Andrew Kelly, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District. "He represents the best in all of us. He was a young man of outstanding character, deeply beloved by his community. In his memory, USACE is honored to rename the Moore Haven Lock and Dam as the 'Julian Keen, Jr. Lock and Dam.'"

As part of the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, Congressmen Steube and Diaz-Balart worked with the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to include the renaming of the lock and dam in the final version of the bill.

Congressman Diaz Balart spoke to his experience. "Julian made an impact on so many people, a community, entire areas. He was a dedicated law enforcement officer that loved his job. But also, he was just a good man, a decent man, a loving man, and a shining light in the community. I witnessed that in an outpouring of love and of grief that I don't think I have seen for anybody before."

Many stood and gave emotional testimonies to the character of this dedicated public servant and why he was ever so deserving of the honor of having his legacy remembered. USACE's lead ranger Kavin Carter was one of the many USACE personnel that Officer Keen touched.

"He was one of the first to respond to certain incidents, and he'd help us deescalate. Julian was empathetic and civil in his approach with people, even though they violated certain rules or regulations. For example, Keen would show up with his football player build, then he'd say, 'Come on…' and people would comply." Carter pauses and says with a sigh, "the way he presented himself just put you at ease. We were all blessed to know him."

Julian Keen, the man, honored has left an imprint on the thousands he has touched. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lock and Dam will carry his name so that generations to come will remember that Keen's strength was his sense of humanity.