| On January 31, 1976, off-duty police officer Mark Champlin spotted a structure fire at 11 West Street. Patrolman Champlin pulled a nearby street alarm box to alert the Fire Department and attempted to warn the residents, though the home fortunately turned out to be unoccupied at the time. As Westerly Fire Companies arrived on the scene, 1st Assistant Chief John “Jake” Keena Jr. transmitted the working fire for Box #4115.
The fire eventually consumed the roof. While directing firefighters during the operation, Assistant Chief Keena collapsed. Nearby Fireman Nick Stenhouse and Westerly Ambulance Corps personnel immediately initiated resuscitation efforts and transported Jake to the Westerly Hospital. Tragically, Jake suffered a fatal heart attack at Box #4115.
1st Assistant Chief Jake Keena left behind his widow, Mary Rathbun Keena; his father, John Sr.; three daughters, Sally Campbell, Marylou Collins, and Kim Keena; brothers Andrew and Thomas; sisters Marjorie Panciera and Jeanette Haggerty; and five grandchildren at the time of his death.
Jake served with courage his entire life. Long before joining the Board of Engineers as an Assistant Chief, he served his country during the Second World War. Enlisting in the Army in February 1942, he served with D Company, 179th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division. He fought in the European Theater through the Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, and Rome campaigns, before also fighting in Southern France and Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star in February 1944 for heroism during the Anzio campaign, and was later cited for courage after saving a friend under Nazi fire in Germany in 1945.
In the June 27, 1945 issue of The Westerly Sun, an article titled “Heroism of Westerly Boy Revealed Under Nazi Fire” recounted how Jake, along with his Lieutenant, a Sergeant, and another private, came under intense enemy fire. Jake threw his wounded comrade onto his back, escaped the ambush, and later used a found bicycle to carry his friend all the way back to American lines.
Remarkably, the article also reported that Jake had been a POW for four days earlier in 1945 before being freed by American forces. In January 1945, the 6th SS Mountain Division launched a surprise attack during Operation Nordwind, cutting off the 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry. They captured over 200 men of the 1/179th and held them captive in the St. Felix Catholic Church in the French town of Wingen-sur-Moder near the German border. After four days, the U.S. Army’s 70th Infantry Division counterattacked and freed the men of the 179th. After the War ended, Jake was discharged and returned home to Westerly, his wife and family, and the Cyclone Steam Fire Engine Co. 2.
Jake’s life of service and courage remains an example that all members look up to till this day. Following his passing, Jake’s younger brother, Thomas Keena, took his place as an assistant chief with the department, as did his son-in-law, Ernest Campbell. May we never forget his service and sacrifice to our country, our department, and the residents of Westerly. |
