June 3, 2021 at 11:11 a.m.
Oneida County patrol sergeant dies in ATV crash
Hartman: 'An immeasurable loss'
Oneida County patrol sergeant dies in ATV crash
According to a press release issued Sunday by Iron County Sheriff Paul Samardich, his dispatch center received a 911 call just before 8 p.m. Saturday reporting an ATV crash in the town of Oma.
An ATV operator, later identified as Anton "Tony" Keelin, 36, Hazelhurst, was traveling northbound on a trail when the machine "appeared to have struck an object," the release states.
He was ejected from the ATV and struck a tree.
Once law enforcement and first responders arrived, life-saving measures began immediately and continued as Keelin was transported to Aspirus Hospital in Ironwood where he was pronounced dead.
On Tuesday, Oneida County sheriff Grady Hartman said his office had suffered "an immeasurable loss."
He said "Archie," as Keelin was also known, was hired as an Oneida County deputy on Oct. 27, 2008 and promoted to patrol sergeant on May 9, 2016.
Prior to his time with the sheriff's office, Keelin was a Minocqua dispatcher from March 2005 until January 2007, when he became a Minocqua police officer.
"His talents at the Sheriff's Office were quickly recognized and he was a valuable member of our law enforcement family," Hartman said. "Archie was actively involved in several specialty duties including court services, recreational safety, project lifesaver, incident command and was the field training supervisor, overseeing the training program for new deputies at the Sheriff's Office."
Keelin was also active participant in the Shop With A Cop program and community policing, Hartman said. He also served as president of Local 171 and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.
"Archie was well respected by his colleagues both at the Oneida County Sheriff's Office and surrounding agencies," Hartman said. "On more than one occasion, Archie displayed kindness and generosity to colleagues in need. He led by example and was a positive mentor for others at the Sheriff's Office. Archie never expected someone to do something he was not willing to do himself, touched many lives and cannot be replaced. He will never be forgotten by his blue line family."
A full obituary for Keelin is published on Page 3.
Brian Jopek may be reached via email at [email protected]
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