Cary Police Stories: Officer Keith McKenna

Posted by Guest Columnist News Sunday, June 13th, 2010

Info for this series from Randy Byrd, Cary PBA Chapter President.

Cary, NC – Continuing our series of Cary Police stories, we profile Officer Keith McKenna. Keith was recently nominated for the George Almond “Officer of the Year” award by his commander Lt. Travis Baker, in recognition of his work with gang violence in Cary. Here is his story.

Taking a Community Approach

Lt. Baker noted Officer McKenna’s work with the Chatham Forest Apartments community.

Officer McKenna spearheaded this project and as a result we have seen a 24% reduction in crime and calls for service since our spike in April.  He did various talks in the community on safety and gangs and has established a very good working relationship with Pat Flores, the manager of Chatham Forest Apartments.

This relationship led to problem residents being removed and enhancements to lighting and landscaping to deter crime.   Officer McKenna received several notes of appreciation for his efforts in this community including one from Capt. Don Hamilton, District Commander for the area where the apartments are located.

“Keith has been a great resource since the start of Geo Policing.  He has come to me with info regarding gangs and the reports he provides have been a tremendous source of info.  I specifically appreciate the efforts he’s placed into Chatham Forest.” – Capt. Don Hamilton

Gathering Gang Intelligence

Lt. Baker also noted the active role that Officer McKenna has taken in how the agency captures and documents gang intelligence.  He is considered the resident expert with gang related matters and consistently makes himself available to other divisions and readily shares gang information.

Detective Jim Young, a major crimes detective for the Cary Police department, said “Officer McKenna is a valuable resource to my investigations due to his willingness to provide assistance and exchange information to help identify suspects or generate leads.”

Tying Together Local, State and Federal Efforts

Sgt. Wyatt Crabtree, who is Officer McKenna’s immediate supervisor. added to the profile.  “Keith McKenna has built relationships with all neighboring local law enforcement agencies as well as several state and federal agencies in the area of gang enforcement.

“His hard work and interagency cooperation has resulted in a more cohesive approach to gang enforcement and has also resulted in the arrest of a validated gang member on federal firearms charges, the revocation of another gang members parole, and numerous other arrests of validated and suspected gang members.”

“Keith is the first person I think of when we need to call somebody in for a criminal intelligence debrief of a gang member.  He has uncovered facts surrounding gang members in their criminal enterprises ranging from planned and committed assaults, to suspected drug smuggling rings from Mexico to North Carolina.”

“Keith is an extremely valuable asset. His hard work and dedication reflect great credit upon himself, the IMPACT team, and the Cary Police Department.”

Bio

Keith was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado and grew up in New Jersey.  He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1988.  He received his Bachelors degree in Physical Education and Health Fitness from Salisbury University in 1994.

Keith served as U.S. Capitol and Montgomery County Maryland police officer before coming to the Cary Police department in 2006. He currently is assigned to IMPACT team.  Keith was named as the Field Operations Officer of the Month in June of 2008. Officer McKenna is married with two children.

When Officer McKenna was asked to describe what this award and George Almond’s legacy means to him, he offered these thoughts.

“I consider it an honor to be recognized for such a prestigious award.  George’s determination and his will to live is remarkable.  To be grouped among the other officers for this award is an honor.  Georges determination to live and fight back overcoming a tragic life altering moment is courageous.  To have an award named after him is a great way to honor his legacy.”

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