Heath Department of Public Safety Sergeant Keven Rowan promoted to Captain

HEATH, TX (Oct. 7, 2021) Department of Public Safety Sergeant Keven Rowan has been promoted to Captain to serve as second-in-command to the chief overseeing a department of 28 officers who are triple certified as fire fighters, police officers and EMTs.

“Captain Rowan has an exemplary record of service, and we are thrilled to have a professional of this caliber take on greater responsibilities within the department and in our community,” said Heath DPS Chief Brandon Seery. “He has proven expertise, exceptional communication skills and a genuine commitment to the welfare and safety of our citizens and community.”

Captain Rowan, who will serve alongside Captain Michael Morgan, has more than 19 years of combined law enforcement, fire services and emergency medical services experience. He joined the Heath DPS as a Public Safety Officer in 2016. He was named Officer of the Year by the City of Heath in 2018 and promoted to Sergeant in March 2021.

Prior to joining the Heath DPS, Captain Rowan served with the Rockwall County Sherriff’s Office as a Patrol Corporal, Patrol Deputy and Detention officer between 2003 and 2016.

A Rockwall High School graduate, Captain Rowan received extensive media recognition from as far away as the United Kingdom following his heroic rescue in January 2012 of two young women who were lost and ended up driving their car into Lake Ray Hubbard.

Captain Rowan happened to be patrolling the shoreline shortly before 1 a.m., and spotted the submerged Honda Civic shortly before 1 a.m. With backup on the way, Rowan grabbed his window punch, a small tool that shatters windows, and courageously plunged into the 52-degree waters. He pulled both females, one of whom could not swim, to safety just seconds before their Honda Civic disappeared into the dark water.

“It’s just absolutely incredible he happened to be at that location at that particular time,” the now-retired Rockwall County Sheriff Harold Eavenson told WFAA News. “If he hadn’t been there, those girls would have drowned… no question.”

Captain Rowan was presented the Medal of Valor in recognition of the lives he saved, which is the highest award a police officer in the State of Texas from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

“I’m excited to take on the new challenge of being a Captain and working alongside Chief Seery and Captain Morgan, both of whom I truly respect,” said Captain Rowan. “Our department has an amazing group of officers, who are also excited about Chief’s vision and the positive, community-focused direction he is taking the department. I want to make the City proud and to serve the citizens by doing the very best job I possibly can.”

Captain Rowan has earned numerous certifications including the Masters Police Officer License. He and his wife, Caysie, have two daughters.

Submitted press release, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News.