Paramedic
Burlington Fire Protection District
Huntley, IL
Age: 39
End of Service: 08/11/2022
Circumstances: Suicide
Jeramiah was born July 23, 1983, the son of Joseph and Tracy (Malm) Keenon. He was truly an “old soul” in a young body. At an early age, Jeramiah had a voracious appetite for learning. He quickly developed a deep love, understanding, and appreciation for music and reading. These interests, coupled with his quick wit and ability to make people laugh, would shape the man he became in life. Jeramiah attended Burlington Central High School, where his love of music led him to sing and play guitar in a band, formed with friends, called “Soma”. His desire to help people led Jeramiah to serve as a Firefighter/Paramedic on the Burlington Community Fire Protection District for 17 years and later as a Tissue-Authorization Specialist with Gift of Hope in Itasca, IL.
Jeramiah met Laura Marie Stubits while working as EMTs in 2005. Jeramiah’s charm and caring nature caught Laura’s eye and soon they began their life together. Their similar interests and passion for helping and serving others fostered a beautiful relationship of 17 years. Jeramiah and Laura married on October 13, 2018. Their honeymoon to London, England was the trip of their lifetime. Jeramiah played a pivotal role in supporting and guiding Laura throughout their lives together. Jeramiah’s knowledge and wisdom allowed Laura to achieve her degree in nursing where she plans to carry on with Jeramiah’s legacy.
Jeramiah had a wicked sense of humor and took great pleasure in heated debates on a wide variety of topics. He was also a fierce defender of the people he loved. He was born with a willingness to give of himself without a second thought and extended his light and kindness without regard to himself. He had an infectious laugh and spirit that lifted others up. He will not be forgotten.