Jeff Keegan 

I am a Bay Area native, raised in Palo Alto after my parents met in Philadelphia and moved to California for new jobs. In my teens I was active in many local groups, including the Sea Scouts. I crewed a former Navy 63-foot AVR (aviation rescue) boat and a dozen larger ships and smaller boats sailing and cruising on SF Bay, rivers and coastal waters. I studied for a USCG Mates License for the larger vessels, while considering a Coast Guard or Merchant Marine career, opting to pursue college and help the family business. In the 1980’s, I worked in land acquisition, designed stage sets for Stanford University groups, and marketed a small publishing and healthcare tech startup. I circled the World three times seeing every continent. I got my fill of living out of a suitcase and I wanted a local job helping my neighbors. So, I went to the police academy. 

I worked over 20 years with City of Menlo Park Police as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer and Detective. It wasn’t boring and at times close to what you see on TV.  Chris was the best 911 dispatcher there when I started. She knew I had a thing for redheads and asked me out, deciding I was a keeper. I took on many collateral roles: Creating PD websites, public speaking, recruiting, negotiating contracts for my coworkers’ rights and benefits. I specialized in investigations of property crime, complex frauds, identity theft and financial crimes. As a subject matter expert, California POST trained me as an advanced course instructor, teaching monthly classes all over the state for 5 years, before their funding ran out. Chris ended her 28-year career as a records manager with Palo Alto Police and was happy to move to Washington.  She tells me she’s done with government work. (We’ll see.) 

We like rainy cool weather, trees, mountains, beaches and water and getting out in it. Washington was a natural destination. Seattle Area and the Bay Area became too expensive and congested for retirees, so we looked for homes closer to Portland.
After our extended “vacation”, it’s time to get active, refresh my maritime skills and meet more people. I have always believed in the Coast Guard’s missions. I see many opportunities to assist the Auxiliary and apply my experience. Recruiting and keeping members active seems to be one such challenge.  Joining the local ARES Ham Radio emergency group, I learned about our looming quake and aftermath that may change livability in this region for decades. I see a role for the Auxiliary in preparing for that response. I don’t own a boat at present, but I know people appreciate experienced crew who bring gas and snacks and I hope to get out on the water locally. I’m looking forward to it!