Jacksonville City Council honors John Keane for decades of public service

The City Council of Jacksonville held a meeting on April 8, 2025, where they honored John Keane for his extensive public service career. The council adopted a resolution recognizing Keane's contributions to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the Jacksonville Fire Department, and the Police and Fire Pension Fund.

John Keane began his career in public service in 1962 with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, serving for seven years before joining the Jacksonville Fire Department as part of its first recruit class after consolidation. During his time with the fire department, he held several leadership roles, including vice president of the Jacksonville Firefighters Union and public information officer. After retiring from the fire department in 1990, Keane became the administrator of the Police and Fire Pension Fund, a position he held for 25 years until his retirement in 2015.

In his remarks, Keane expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on his career, highlighting the importance of ensuring that retirees receive adequate benefits. He noted significant improvements made during his tenure at the pension fund, including raising minimum benefits for elderly retirees and implementing various plans to enhance financial security for members.

Council members praised Keane for his integrity and dedication, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging his contributions, especially in light of challenges he faced in the past. The meeting concluded with Keane encouraging perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.