Broken Arrow – As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, longtime police and fire chaplain Scott Keele sat down with The Sentinel’s podcast “The Spark” to recount his experience ministering to first responders at Ground Zero and to reflect on how his faith guided him through that historic tragedy.
From Texas Roots to Broken Arrow Service
Born and raised in Texas, Keele moved to Broken Arrow in January 1987 after graduating early from a religious‑education program. He accepted a position as education minister at Christ on 4th and Kenosha, a church that later asked him to become its chaplain. “I’m not going to exclude God’s providential hand in this,” Keele said, noting that his early marriage at 18 motivated him to finish his studies quickly and begin serving the community he loves.
Becoming a Police and Fire Chaplain
In 1987 the Broken Arrow police department began a chaplain program, and Keele, encouraged by a church friend who was already a chaplain, approached Chief Smokey Stover and asked, “Can I be a chaplain?” The chief responded, “Yes, you are now a chaplain,” and Keele began his dual role serving both police and fire personnel. He later recalled the early days when the department had only a handful of chaplains and even a period without any chaplaincy support.
Training for Trauma Care
After the Oklahoma City bombing in April 1995, Keele realized he needed formal training to help responders cope with trauma. He enrolled in the International Conference of Police Chaplains and completed the first certified law‑enforcement chaplain academy in 1999, a program organized by Tulsa County chaplain Mike Hargrove. The training equipped him with tools to address the emotional and spiritual needs of officers and firefighters.
Ground Zero Service
When the September 11 attacks occurred, Keele, like many first‑responders across the country, traveled to New York. He admits he arrived at the perimeter without clear direction or command structure, saying, “I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t know the words.” Though he never entered the site, the experience deepened his commitment to trauma counseling and spurred him to seek additional preparation for future crises.
Lessons Learned and Ongoing Ministry
Returning to Broken Arrow, Keele emphasized the importance of fellowship and support among first responders. He described a powerful moment when a fellow responder offered a simple hug, saying, “That was probably the statement that hit me the most.” The chaplain noted that the emotional weight of leaving New York was heavy, but the gratitude of those he served kept him grounded.
Looking Ahead on the Anniversary
When asked what the community should remember on this anniversary, Keele stressed the heroism of first responders. “They are willing to put themselves through unbelievable situations,” he said. He urged listeners to appreciate the dedication of Broken Arrow’s own police and fire personnel, many of whom also answered the call in New York.
Community Impact
Keele’s story underscores the vital role of faith‑based ministry within public‑service agencies. His decades‑long service illustrates how a steadfast commitment to God and community can help heal the wounds of tragedy. As Broken Arrow continues to honor its own heroes, Keele’s testimony serves as a reminder that spiritual care remains an essential component of public safety.
Original reporting: Broken Arrow Sentinel — read the source article.
