Roll of Honor
Emmet B. Keen
Incident
Special Agent Emmet Keen was shot and killed while guarding an alcohol shipment near Peoria, Illinois. As the train carrying the shipment pulled onto a side track to permit a passenger train to proceed, Agent Keen was hiding in the nearby weeds. Three men were observed approaching the train, and while attempting to loot it, a gun battle ensued, with Agent Keen being struck twice. Train crews came to the aid of Agent Keen as he lay dying and saw tracks in the snow indicating two men had dragged a body away from the scene. One suspect was found dead, and four suspects were later taken into custody by sheriff's deputies. Two suspects were questioned, while two others were released. No arrests were made.
Survivors
He was survived by his two young sons and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-RR-FAF4C555- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Agent Keen served with the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Keen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Agent Emmet B. Keen is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 63.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department, 14 of 18 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 77.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Emmet B. Keen's cause is highlighted.
How Emmet B. Keen Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Emmet B. Keen is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Emmet B. Keen was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
17 officers from Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
