TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A long-time name and familiar face in local law enforcement, former Terre Haute Police Chief Shawn Keen, has announced he’ll be taking on the role of Chief of Police in Indiana’s fastest growing city.
According to a release from Scott Willis, Mayor of Westfield, Keen will be filling the role after his predecessor’s retirement was announced three days ago. Keen will take over the role on April 8.
“Chief Keen is well respected by his peers around the State of Indiana,” Mayor Willis said. “His leadership skills and experience will serve the Westfield Police Department and community extremely well. We are looking forward to the number of ways that Chief Keen can advance Westfield through our administration.”
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Keen, who holds associates and bachelor’s degrees from Chaminade University in Honolulu, as well as a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, has worked with the Terre Haute Police Department since 1998.
“I am honored and excited to become the police chief of the fastest growing city in Indiana,” Keen said. “My commitment is to foster safety, trust, and collaboration within the department and the community. Together, with the dedicated men and women of the Westfield Police Department, we will continue to prioritize the well-being of our community and uphold the highest standards of law enforcement excellence.”
After serving as THPD Assistant Chief for ten years, in 2019, then Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett, appointed Keen to the role of Chief. A position he filled until Kevin Barrett was appointed at the start of 2024 by Mayor Brandon Sakbun.
In 2004, Keen was recognized as the THPD Officer of the Year. In 2015, Keen graduated from the FBI National Academy as part of their 259th Session.
In his time as chief, Keen also oversaw the renovation and move of THPD to its current headquarter building at 222 S. 7th Street.
The town of Westfield was recently recognized as the state’s fastest growing city, and the 6th fastest growing in the country based on census data.
