Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer James L. Keeton

Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona

End of Watch Friday, February 5, 1971

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Officer James L. Keeton

Officer Keeton,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Arizona. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 5, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Keeton.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2019

We, the citizens of Arizona are honored to have men like Officer James Keeton to protect us. May James Keeton rest in peace. He will never be forgotten.

Stan Jefferson
Citizen of Arizona

February 5, 2017

The years may pass but your sacrifice will always be remembered! Thank you Trooper Keeton. Rest in Peace!

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

February 5, 2015

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

February 5, 2013

Officer Keeton,

I was just a toddler when you made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our state. A tragedy. But a sacrifice not made in vain, as your son would grow to be an outstanding police officer. I had the privilege of serving along side him as we, too, protected our community. Although your watch ended long ago, your legacy lives on through others. God bless.

Anonymous

February 1, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. . My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my family's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 5, 2012

A tragic day for this force. Rest assured your lost ones are remembered.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 7, 2011

Jimmy,

I can still remember your Dad picking you up in his Highway Patrol car after school at Washington School.

Wilbur Guile
Classmate

July 6, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

February 4, 2008

Rest in Peace, Officer Keeton. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 14, 2007

I still can see you stepping out of that Plymouth Fury III as you would stop into Joe Hinton's gas station (Adamana Exit) where I worked as a young high school kid. I couldn't help but admire you in your starch-pressed khaki uniform and infectious smile. I still remember that dark day as if it were yesterday, as a member of the Valley HS (Sanders, AZ) wrestling team in a van driving to Williams for a wrestling match. We were stopped at a roadbock by some very serious patrolmen near Winslow. We had witnessed all of the police cars and ambulances traveling eastbound on I-40, so we knew something was really wrong. The stone-faced officers at the raodblock searched our van and then let us go without a word. We learned later of your fate.

As an adult, I went on to my own police career, and your untimely and unfortunate death was always forefront in my mind as a constant reminder of the dangerous work that we did. You will never know what a profound effect your life and death had on a young impressionable teenager. May you, and Don Beckstead forever rest in peace.

David Johnson
Friend

February 24, 2007

Jim-

Your killer, Bertram Greenberg, had stolen a license plate off a truck at Two Guns not long before I went on duty that afternoon in Winslow. I listened to the dispatcher trying to reach you after you ran the plate and I knew immediately something was wrong. I later reflected that your fate could easily have been mine. My duty later that day was to man a roadblock until we were allowed to stand down after the NMSP had shot and killed Greenberg.

Jim, Rest in Peace.
Colin Peabody

Sergeant Colin Peabody, Retired
Arizona Department of Public Safety

February 22, 2007

Officer Keeton is buried just a few rows above several of my relatives in Prescott. I never knew what happened to Officer Keeton until I found this web site. A true tragedy for this officer to be cut down so young in life. No doubt an honorable man who died protecting others. Each time I visit my relatives graves I walk over to Officer Keeton's grave to pay my respects.

John N

February 14, 2007

Brother Keeton,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue


Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

January 10, 2006

We carry on in your memory, know this and rest in peace.

Narcotics Sergeant
AZDPS

November 10, 2005

James,

I do not know you, However I have had the chance to work with your son who is a warrior like you. He is a good cop and you would be very proud of him.

God Bless.

Anonymous

August 20, 2003

No officer that gave his life should be without reflection……

“For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know”

Anonymous

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