81R1859 JGH-D
By: Harless H.R. No. 61
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Detective Thomas Luell Keen of the Harris County
Sheriff's Office died on September 15, 2008, from injuries
sustained in the line of duty, and his untimely death is a tragic
loss to his family, his fellow peace officers, and the citizens he
served; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Keen was born on November 29, 1948; answering
his nation's call to arms as a young man, he served two tours of duty
in Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Keen's distinguished career in law enforcement
began when he joined the Harris County Sheriff's Office in April of
1973; after working in the detention division for two years, he
became a patrolman; within a year, he was promoted to the detective
bureau; and
WHEREAS, During his 32 years with the bureau, Detective Keen
investigated vice, property crime, domestic violence cases, and
robberies; at the time of his death, this dedicated peace officer
was engaged in the recovery from Hurricane Ike; and
WHEREAS, Detective Keen was a leader in his profession; he
served for a number of years as vice chairman of the Gulf Coast
Criminal Investigators Association, where he worked to promote
coordination between Houston area law enforcement agencies and
local businesses; in 1982, he was named a 100 Club Officer of the
Year, and throughout his career, he exemplified the virtues of
courage and integrity and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to
duty; and
WHEREAS, Detective Keen was a devoted husband and a loving
father; his dedication to his family, the sheriff's office, and his
community earned him the respect and affection of all who knew him;
and
WHEREAS, Texans everywhere are indebted to the brave men and
women of law enforcement who risk their lives to protect the safety
and welfare of the public, and Detective Tommy Keen has earned a
lasting debt of gratitude for his sacrifice; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Thomas Luell Keen and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Jana Keen; to his son, Cody Keen; and to his other relatives,
friends, and colleagues; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Detective
Thomas Luell Keen.