​Fairfield Police Mourn the Untimely Passing of Retired Sergeant Joseph Keegan

Fairfield (NJ) It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of sadness that Chief Anthony G. Manna and the members of the Fairfield Police Department announce the untimely passing of retired Fairfield Police Sergeant Joseph Keegan.

Sergeant Keegan began his law enforcement career with the Fairfield Police Department on January 9, 1989, as a probationary police officer, attending the Essex County Police Academy.

He was promoted to the rank of corporal on September 22, 1997. He was then promoted to the rank of sergeant on June 23, 2003. During his career, he was an emergency medical technician and a member of the department’s Emergency Services Unit. He served as the officer in charge of the department’s Technology Unit He also served as a task force officer on the Essex County Major Crimes Task Force in 2015

Sergeant Keegan was an extremely active officer as is indicated by his record of commendations which are as follows:

(10) Unit Citations

(3) Meritorious Service Citations

(3) Honorable Service Citations

(3) Lifesaving Citations

(2) Chief’s Certificates

He retired from active service with the department on June 30, 2018.

Chief Anthony G. Manna, who worked with Sergeant Keegan for Joe’s entire 29 year law enforcement career, had this to say about his former co-worker and friend:

“Joe was truly the epitome of being a great cop who seemingly had the uncanny ability to seek out and findcriminal activity every time he went on duty. But he was much more than that to our community. Our citizens loved him then but truly loved him just as much now when they saw him around town.”

Chief Manna recounted, “Joe’s ability to find criminalscontinued well into his retired private life as well. This was clearly evident on March 6, 2025, at around 11:46 AM. At that time, our department received a call from Joe whostated he observed a black Chevrolet Malibu with no license plates parked next to a US Postal Service mailbox on Law Drive.

“He told our dispatcher that two males, dressed in black with yellow reflective vests, were allegedly trying to enter the mailbox. He watched as they returned to the vehicle and drove away. Just like a cop would, Joe followed the suspects’ vehicle all the while, letting our dispatcher know where the car was. Our officers caught up with this vehicle and tried to stop it but the car attempted to eludethem. The car finally stopped in Parsippany, and two suspects were taken into custody after a brief foot chase. Further investigation revealed the discovery of a bin full of stolen mail from another location in Fairfield and a stolen Audemars Piguet wristwatch stolen in Houston.”

“After the arrest, I kiddingly asked Joe if he wanted to return to work in the department since his instincts were as good as ever. We both laughed and unfortunately, it was the last time I saw Joe. But like he did throughout his career, Joe made one last arrest and protected Fairfield citizens one last time. Joe, you will be greatly missed.”Manna said.

Funeral details are not yet known.

Authorized by: Chief Anthony Manna