Kansas City Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Tuesday, June 2, 1903
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Drowned
Date of Incident: June 2, 1903
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Joseph Keenan drowned while attempting to rescue three men during a period of severe flooding of the Missouri River.
He was in a boat taking the men to safe ground when it capsized, throwing everyone into the water at Santa Fe and West Ninth Street at 12:45 pm. When Patrolman Keenan fell into the water, he struck his head on a telegraph pole. The other three men were rescued, but Patrolman Keenan drowned.
Patrolman Keenan had served with the Kansas City Police Department for three years. He was survived by his mother, sister, and three brothers. One of his brothers also served with the Kansas City Police Department.