John Keane began his public service career 63 years ago. When he joined the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, John F. Kennedy was president.

After consolidation he moved to the Jacksonville Fire Department. He served as public information officer and vice president of the firefighters’ union before retiring in 1990. After that he ran the Police and Fire Pension Fund until his retirement from that position in 2015.

He also managed during that time to serve his country in the Florida Air National Guard.

Throughout the entire time, he never shrank from confronting politicians, bureaucrats or the media when he took a side in a cause.

He was actively attacked by the media, especially a tiny local newspaper, and by public officials over the size of his pension.

Finally, city officials tried to take away his pension. He took them to court and won.

Tuesday, the Jacksonville City Council will provide the final victory when it presents Keane with a resolution adopted last week by the council, recognizing his long career.

It notes that even after public service Keane continued to serve the citizens of Jacksonville as President of the Retired Employees Association of Jacksonville, chair and board member of the Jacksonville Fire Credit Union, vice chair and board member of First Coast Crime Stoppers, trustee and board member of the Jacksonville Police Officers and Firefighters Health Insurance Trust, and member of the Parish Council of St. Matthew’s Church.

It says, “The City Council hereby recognizes John Keane for his integrity and decades of exceptional public service…”

I’ve known Keane since he started work at the sheriff’s office and have always been amazed at his energy, remarkable memory, ability to grasp the essential elements of an issue and willingness to take on anyone, no matter how rich and powerful, in the furtherance of a cause he supports.

The recognition is long overdue.