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Christopher E. Keenan Sr.

Supervisory Park Ranger, General Grant National Memorial. Historic Weapons Specialist, National Park Service

Born on December 13, 1968, Christopher Keenan grew up in the Inwood section of Manhattan, New York. Educated at Good Shephard Catholic Grammer School and Sacred Heart High School, Chris went on to recieve a Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College. He graduated in 1990 Magna Cum Laude, minoring in Sociology and Forensic Science.

In 1989, Chris began his career with the National Park Service/Manhattan Sites Unit at Castle Clinton National Memorial. As a National Park Service Ranger, he completed certification as a New York State Emergency Medical Technician and the Basic Police Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in 1992. He served as a commissioned law enforcement officer until 2005, and was recognized for his efforts on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. In 1993, he recieved a temporary promotion as Site Manager of the General Grant National Memorial, a position he currently holds. Since that date, Chris has been detailed as the site manager for other National Monuments and Memorials in New York, and was detailed as the parks Law Enforcement Specialist and the Deputy Superintendent of Manhattan Sites.

Christopher Keenan has appeared on film and on local radio providing public service messages regarding the National Parks of New York Harbor. Chris has also portrayed a member of the colonial militia in Mel Gibsons, "The Patriot", and was interviewed on the Travel Channels episode of "New York Parks" and the History Channels "Secret Missions of the Civil War".

In 1997, Chris was nominated to attend the Historic Weapons Certification program for the National Park Service. This training, combined with a life long interest in blackpowder firearms, launched his career as a specialist with the NPS in the realm of historic weapons. Since that date, he has attended every agency level blackpowder weapons program and in 2002, was appointed the North East Regional Historic Weapons Safety Inspector and a Historic Weapons Instructor for the National Park Service. Chris currently is the agencies blackpowder revolver specialist, as well as a certified 18th and 19th century small arms and artillery instructor.

Since 1979, Chris has been a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout with Silver Palms in 1986 and has since served in the adult capacities of Cubmaster, Commissioner and Sea Scout Officer. Chris is also a member of the Harlem Chamber of Commerce, the Society of Civil War Surgeons, the Fraternal Order of Police and the US Naval Landing Party.

Chris currently resides in New Fairfield, CT with his wife Renee and his children Victoria, Ashley, Christopher Jr., Elizabeth and Matthew.