The Texas Department of Public Safety on Friday dedicated a pair of patrol vessels in memory of fallen Troopers Karl Keesee of Early and Jonathon McDonald of Post during a ceremony at Lake Brownwood State Park.
Sergeant Karl Keesee, 49, was killed Oct. 29, 2015 in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. 84 approximately two miles west of Goldthwaite. Keesee had served with the Texas Highway Patrol for 25 years and was assigned to Brownwood, Region 5. His son, Karlton, is now a DPS Trooper.
Trooper Jonathan McDonald, 28, died in an on-duty one-vehicle crash Nov. 15, 2010, near Post in Garza County when he was responding to another accident on U.S. Highway 84. McDonald had served with the DPS for just over two years.
Among the speakers at Friday’s event, DPS Deputy Director of Law Enforcement Services, Lt. Col. Jeff Williams, said to the more than 100 in attendance, “I’ve never seen a crowd like this. The community is here to support these men and their families and that’s a testament to the people you are, so thank you for that.”
Williams added, “Troopers Karl Keesee and Jonathon McDonald left an indelible mark on the DPS family. We recognize the historical significance of naming vessels after heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is through the dedication of these boats that we honor Troopers Keesee and McDonald in a way that is both timeless and symbolically powerful. These vessels will become a floating tribute and a constant reminder of the values and sacrifices embodied by those in whose honor we dedicate. We immortalize their legacies in a manner that reflects the deep respect and admiration we hold for them. These vessels will navigate the waters as tangible symbols of their unwavering dedication to the protection and service of our communities. These boats will carry the memory and spirit of Troopers Keesee and McDonald, traversing the highways and waterways of this great state, reminding us of their sacrifice and reminding us to continue their noble work.”
Mark Couch, DPS Safety Education/Media Communications Officer of the Northwest Region based out of Abilene, told BrownwoodNews.com after the ceremony, “It is a privilege today to continue to celebrate their service by putting their names on these boats that will protect our citizens of Texas on the border. These boats will be based out of the McAllen area near the coast, but they could be moved anywhere on the coast as needed based on the missions they’re tasked to.”
The boats are two of 10 that have recently been dedicated in memory of fallen DPS Troopers, Couch added.
