Everyday Heroes 2020

WARNER ROBINS police
Department
NarcOTICs invest. KEENAN HENDERSON
By KRISTIN MORIARTY
Keenan Henderson was born
into a law enforcement family.
His grandfather, father
and mother all worked in
law enforcement, and so it
was instilled in him at a very
young age to become a part
of the profession.
Henderson was born in Baldwin
County but was raised in
Coffee County until he was
in the 10th grade. His family
then moved to Warner Robins,
and it has been home for
Henderson ever since. For a
time period, right after high
school, Henderson attended
college, but ultimately, he
began working in civil service
at Robins Air Force Base.
“I was in civil service for 10
years, but to be honest, I was unhappy,” Henderson said. “When
you’re young and getting to be on your own for the first time, it’s
about how much money you can make. But I had a calling on my
life and ignored it until I could no more. It was that one-day that
I decided I wanted to make a difference in my community, so I
began my journey to becoming a law enforcement officer. Here I
am seven years in, and enjoying it everyday.”
Henderson was hired to the Warner Robins Police Department in
2014. He started out in the patrol division and worked there for
three years. He was then promoted to the narcotics unit. Since his
promotion, Henderson has also been a part of the department’s
SWAT team for five years, and is also a task force officer for the
DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration).
“I have experienced quite a lot during my seven years, and so
much has changed since I first started,” Henderson said. “But
growing up and now being in the field, one thing that has not
changed is the impact you can have on the community. Watching
my family go that extra mile past the shifts they worked, to make
a difference, is really what stuck with me. And now, being in law
enforcement, I’ve learned the community does rely on us and we
rely on them. We’re here to protect and serve. I love this community
and everyday, I work hard to do a good job, especially for the
ones who can’t stand up for themselves.”
One call that sticks with Henderson to this day was the tragic fatal
bus accident in 2018 where six-year-old Arlana Haynes lost her
life.
“I was the second person on scene that day, and I don’t want to
describe what I saw, but it was more than what I was prepared
to see,” Henderson said. “It was a call for a lot of us here at the
Warner Robins Police Department that was really difficult to pro-
cess, and in the midst of the call that day, you know our adrenaline
was pumping, but we had to remain focused and make sure
everyone was safe. I have children myself, so that made it even
harder to process.”
When asked how does one cope with incidents such as the loss of
life, Henderson said for him, it’s spending time with his children.
“Focusing on my children and spending time with them helps a
lot,” Henderson said. “I also like to get away to the beach and just
recharge and not think about work. But also that bond between
us here at the department helps. It’s a bond that you really can’t
explain; we’re a family. One of the more fun times I’ve had here
at the department is when we had a kickball league last year.
Our team was the “One Kick Wonders.” We were actually doing
badly in the beginning,” he said laughing, “but we made it to the
championship. So family, having that bond with fellow officers,
and separating work from home, definitely helps.”
While the job can be tough most times, Henderson said he truly
enjoys his work and finds it very rewarding.
“Being that positive light and bringing justice to each person’s
case is where I get my motivation and where my passion comes
from,” Henderson said. “You never know what kind of impact
you’ll have until times when you’re off work and go to the grocery
store, and someone walks up to you and thanks you. I truly enjoy
what I do. To my fellow officers… always pay attention. Something
so small and minor can turn out to be huge. When you feel something’s
not right, pay attention because usually, your gut is right.
Work hard, but be safe and make sound decisions. Again, you
never know the impact you will have on someone’s life. I feel that
the Warner Robins Police Department is very professional, and we
have strong community relations.”
EVERYDAY HEROES 2020 19