By Katlan Thomerson
Friday, March 29, at 10 a.m., friends, family, and coworkers of Barren County Sheriff Kent Keen met in the Barren County Fiscal Court room to surprise him in celebration of all that he has accomplished during his 30 years of service in law enforcement.
Sheriff Kent Keen and Public Information Officer, Mike Houchens exit the elevator near the Fiscal Court room. By Katlan Thomerson/Glasgow News 1
“Suprise Dad, today we are celebrating you and your 30 years of service in Glasgow and Barren County,” Becca Keen said. “Before we get started, I want to recognize and thank my mom for supporting and encouraging my dad through the years. At the end of last year, I started working with Steve Riley on recognizing my Dad for 30 years of working in law enforcement.”
After reciting an email that Becca Keen sent to the Governor’s office, summarizing Sheriff Keen’s work accomplishments, she redirected everyone’s attention to her mom, Ava Keen, who read a letter addressed to Sheriff Keen from the Governor’s office.
“The job of a first responder, especially in law enforcement, requires courage and integrity and your willingness to serve and make the necessary sacrifices to perform the honorable job illustrated. Your commitment and dedication to the life of service. I commend you for your years of hard work and wish you much success in all of your endeavors. Sincerely, Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky.”
Sheriff Keen’s wife Ava Keen reads the letter sent from the Governor’s office before presenting it to him. By Katlan Thomerson/Glasgow News 1
After a few photos, state Rep. Steve Riley presented Sheriff Keen with an award that names Sheriff Keen a Kentucky Colonel.
“Kent is a great person and he’s been a great person to this community. The Governor wrote him a letter, that’s nice. But when your daughter says that stuff about you, that’s way better than anyone else saying something about you. Becca you did a great job with that,” Riley said. “We as a community owe a great debt of gratitude to Kent. He’s been fabulous to all of us, and we appreciate him very much.”
Riley passed the framed award to Sheriff Keen, then returned to his seat.
“Thank you for this surprise,” Kent Keen said. “Thank God for a wonderful family and a supportive community.”
For the final surprise, Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse read a proclamation that declares March 29, 2024, as Kent Keen Day.
“Whereas the City of Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse in conjunction with Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd, pays the highest possible tribute to Sheriff Kent Keen in celebration of his continuing law enforcement career in Barren County Kentucky. Today we honor Sheriff Keen for his 30 years of service to the citizens of Glasgow and Barren County. We do here by proclaim Friday, March 29, 2024, as Kent Keen Day.”
Comments