By Katie Northcott, News Director
Peterson Media Group extends congratulations to this week’s hometown heroes of the week across all four radio stations: Jeremiah Kirk (Thunder Radio), Brad Klein (93.9 The Duck), Anthony Harden (The Rooster 101.5), and Wendell Keen (Whiskey Country 105.1 & 95.9).
Hometown heroes of the Week are recognized each Wednesday on Peterson Media Group’s radio station Facebook pages. Click here to nominate for Hometown Hero of the Week.
Kirk is a School Resource Officer at Westwood Middle School. Here’s what the person who nominated him had to say:
“Jeremiah goes above and beyond for Manchester every day, especially the students he interacts with at Westwood Middle School. Not only has he dedicated the past 10 years to serving in law enforcement, but he is also a devoted father and husband. Jeremiah works hard to build positive relationships with students, making a lasting impact on their lives while helping keep our schools and community safe. His commitment to serving others, both on and off the job, makes him truly deserving of this recognition.”
Klein is Chief Warrant Officer III with the U.S. Army National Guard. Here’s what the person who nominated him had to say:
“Brad Klein has spent his life putting others before himself through more than 26 years of military service to our country. During his distinguished career, he has deployed to Korea, Afghanistan, and Iraq, earning a Bronze Star for his bravery and dedication. He began his service as an aviation technician before becoming a tracked and wheeled vehicle technician. After serving on active duty, Brad continued his commitment to our nation by joining the Tennessee Army National Guard, where he has now served for 18 years and counting.
“Today, Brad serves as the supervisor of the Tullahoma National Guard base shop, overseeing the maintenance of tracked and wheeled vehicles that support military operations around the world. His dedication to service extends far beyond his military duties. In 2019, while on his way to an award ceremony where he was being promoted for his hard work and leadership, Brad and his wife, Sarah, stopped to help at the scene of a serious accident involving seven children. Without hesitation, they helped pull all seven children to safety before continuing on to the ceremony. Brad arrived muddy and bloodied, but still made it in time to receive his promotion. This is just one example of the courage, selflessness, and commitment he has demonstrated throughout his life.”
Harden is a deputy with the Coffee County Sherriff’s Department. Here’s what the person who nominated him had to say:
“Deputy Anthony Harden exemplifies what it truly means to serve and protect his community. Born and raised right here at home, he understands the people, values, and traditions that make this community special. Every day he puts on the badge with pride, not for recognition, but because he genuinely cares about the people he serves. Whether it’s answering calls in the middle of the night, helping someone through one of the worst moments of their life, or simply stopping to talk with members of the community, Deputy Harden treats everyone with respect and professionalism.
“What makes Deputy Harden stand out is his dedication to being more than just a law enforcement officer. He is someone people can rely on. He believes in treating people fairly, listening before judging, and always carrying himself with integrity. In a profession that can often go unnoticed unless something goes wrong, Deputy Harden consistently shows compassion, patience, and a willingness to help others no matter the situation.”
Keen is a U.S. Air Force veteran who currently resides in Moore County. Here’s what the person who nominated him had to say:
“Wendell Keen is the definition of a hometown hero, not because he seeks recognition, but because of the way he lives his life every single day. He is a devoted husband, father, Papaw, hardworking provider, veteran, and faithful man who puts God, family, and others before himself.
“Wendell proudly served our country in the Air Force, demonstrating honor, commitment, and sacrifice through his military service. Those same values continue to define the man he is today. He works a full-time job while also giving his time, love, and energy to his family, church, and community. No matter how tired he may be, he is always willing to help someone in need, lend a hand, offer encouragement, or simply show up when people need him most.
“Wendell is a man of strong character, kindness, humility, and unwavering work ethic. He leads by example, teaching those around him the importance of faith, hard work, service to others, and integrity. He never looks for recognition or praise—he simply lives his life doing what is right and loving people well.
“Those who know Wendell know they can depend on him. He gives freely of himself, loves deeply, works hard, and quietly impacts the lives of so many around him. For his service to our country, dedication to his family, strong faith, tireless work ethic, and the positive example he sets every day, Wendell Keen is truly deserving of being recognized as a Hometown Hero.”
