Kean continues 3-generation legacy of firefighter service

Jesse Kean of Lakeview, center, recites the oath of office as a new firefighter with the Bellefontaine Fire Department Thursday afternoon, Jan. 18, as administered to him by Bellefontaine Mayor Dave Crissman, left. Also looking on is Bellefontaine Fire Chief Andy Fissel. A DeGraff native and 2016 Riverside High School graduate, Kean is a son of Chad and Heather Kean and he is continuing a three-generation tradition in his family. His father is now retired from the Quincy Fire Department and DeGraff Fire Department. His maternal grandfather, Ron Pope, served as the fire chief of the DeGraff Fire Department, and his paternal grandfather, Randy Kean, was the fire chief at the Quincy Fire Department. Most recently, Jesse served with the Harrison Township Fire Department, located just north of Dayton, and also with Indian Lake EMS. He said it was his lifelong career goal, starting as young as age 4, to become a full-time firefighter. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)