RVC PBA Honors Jack McKeon on the Links

Soggy conditions could not dampen the spirits of dozens of police officers and military men who came to the Middle Bay Country Club in Oceanside on Monday to honor former Rockville Centre Police Commissioner Jack McKeon at the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Golf Outing named in his honor.

"My dad really is an amazing man," said McKeon's daughter Katie MacDonald, who attended the pre-tournament breakfast with McKeon's wife, Katie, and their granddaughter Kylie.

McKeon's colleagues said they share the same feeling that McKeon's family has for him, and it's that appreciation that put a smile on the jovial former commissioner, who retired on December 30, 2009.

"Being recognized by management is one thing, but to be recognized by my peers is what really makes this a very special event," McKeon said. "I'm humbled and honored."

McKeon's tenure as a Rockville Centre police officer places him in a unique position of distinction. Of his 37 years on the force, he spent 19 as commissioner, which makes him the longest standing commissioner in the history of the village police department. McKeon was also a navy pilot and commander during Desert Storm II, where he specialized in Naval Crime Investigative Services.

"(The outing) is an honor to his service as an officer," said Steve Christenson, a retired village police officer who volunteered at the event. "He was also a veteran." Another RVC  police officer in attendance was Bill Perrone, who noted that he was just giving back to McKeon what McKeon had given for decades  — a sense of committed service to his colleagues.

"I'm here because Jack always played a role in volunteering for this event," Perrone said.

And while McKeon may appear to be retired to most, he's merely traded one form of service for another.

"It wasn't a good career, it was a great career," said McKeon. "But now I'm a full time babysitter, devoted to my granddaughter. It's a privilege. I'm very blessed. Kids are our only shot at immortality."