BILOXI, MS, U.S.A.
POLICE OFFICER, BILOXI POLICE DEPARTMKENT, BILOXI, MS
TECH SGT, U.S. AIR FORCE
05/05/2019, BILOXI, MS, U.S.A.
Robert “Mac” McKeithen was born in Jackson, MS on March 22, 1961. He was a graduate of the University of Mississippi. He served in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Tech Sergeant having received many medals, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
Officer McKeithen had given nearly 24 years of his life to serving the citizens of Biloxi when he was shot and killed outside a police station on Sunday night, May 5, 2019. Officer McKeithen was 58 years old. He had earned the Medal of Valor for his efforts during Hurricane Katrina. He also worked security for Dillard’s. He enjoyed spending time with his family.
Officer McKeithen was planning his retirement at the end of this year, said Biloxi Police Chief John Miller. He was described as a gentle family man and a hero.
“Robert was an unbelievably fine policeman. He did a great job, took care of the citizens of Biloxi for almost 24 years,” Chief Miller added. “He was an Air Force Veteran. During Hurricane Katrina, Officer McKeithen was awarded the medal of valor for saving four special needs children …. who undoubtedly would have perished. I tell you that because I want you to know the kind of man that he was — a fine and decent man, a great policeman and he served the citizens of Biloxi well. He leaves behind a wife, daughter, two stepsons and a stepdaughter.
“He was a very gentle man for a policeman. He was very gentle, likable. He treated people with respect and dignity and we’re going to miss him sorely. I don’t ever remember him having a scowl on his face. He did his job well, he did it professionally.” According to Chief Miller.
Chief Miller asked for people to pray for the officer’s family.
Officer McKeithen was known for his ability to talk people down during tense situations, according to fellow officers.
“I can’t remember any time he had a significant use of force where he couldn’t talk someone into seeing things his way,” said SGT Jay Morgan.
On Monday, people placed flowers and other mementos on Officer McKeithen’s patrol vehicle, which remained in the police station parking lot.