Proudly serving Abington, Braintree, Hanover, Holbrook, Quincy, & Rockland
Public Safety
John’s family has a long, rich history in law enforcement, first with the Boston Police Department. His great grandfather served an Inspector at the turn of the century and was awarded the Medal of Honor. His grandfather was a patrol officer, shot in the line of duty, and also a recipient of the Medal of Honor. Service with BPD has continued through the generations, with a nephew now serving as a patrol officer.
In Quincy, John’s brother was on the police force for over 40 years, rising through the ranks to serve as Chief of Police from 2008 - 2023. And a nephew is now a patrol officer.
Another of John’s brothers served on the Quincy Fire Department as a firefighter for 38 years before retiring in 2025. Nephews now serve the Quincy and Belmont Fire Departments and as a Lieutenant with the Westbrook, Maine Fire Department, and a niece serves as a public safety dispatcher on the South Shore.
John has worked to secure resources for public safety in his district, including direct funding for the Quincy Fire Hazardous Materials team, vehicles for Quincy and Abington police, fire station improvements in Braintree, training in Holbrook, a unique youth EMS and fire training program in Hanover, and in cooperation with the Town of Rockland, regional dispatch funding. More broadly, he has been a staunch advocate for access to in-service counseling, Narcan kits, health care coverage, and for health and pension benefits.
As a witness to generations of public safety service, John has a unique understanding of the dangers faced by first responders and the pride and commitment they bring to their jobs every day and night.
As State Senator, John fights to ensure that they have the training and equipment needed to keep safe and to best protect our communities.
It’s important that we support those who work every day to keep us safe.
Senator Keenan's Public Safety Bills
S.516 An Act to Protect Democracy
This bill declares harassment and intimidation of state and local election workers or their families a punishable crime. This Bill defines intimidation and harassment to include overt threats in various forms and includes the sharing of personally identifying information in the definition if the act of sharing seeks to promote harassment or intimidation. It includes necessarily severe punishments to deter dangerous actors. Those guilty of first offenses face imprisonment up to four years, a fine of up to $10,000 or both. Second offenders face ten years, fine of up to $25,000 or both.
The bill was reported favorably by the Election Laws committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means on 7/31/2025.
Read more here.