Kevin Keller receives Community Builder Award

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

Members of the Mt. Hiram Lodge #595 presented Public Relations Director, Kevin Keller, with the Community Builder Award Tuesday evening to thank him for his incredible service to the community.
James Cooney, Chairman of the Community Builder Award Committee, described what the award is and how they chose who receives it.
In 1991, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas started the program to recognize outstanding non-masons. These individuals must have distinguished themselves through service to the community, to the local, state, or national governments, to their church or synagogue, or to humanity.
“Thus, the award may be available to individuals who, although they have never been initiated into Masonry, have followed the same precepts, ideals, and standards that have been established for Masonic behavior,” said Cooney. “The Community Builder Award is not necessarily designed to be given only to the obvious leaders of the local community, those in the limelight, although they certainly must be considered. Lodges are encouraged to seek out the men and women who, year in and year out, quietly and without fanfare, show their devotion to their community and its people without expectation of awards or honors.”
This year, they chose Kevin Keller. Keller has been a city employee since 2001 when he was hired by the Copperas Cove Police Department. His positions have included Patrol Corporal, Criminal Investigator, Field Training Officer, SWAT Team member, and coordinator for National Night Out. He’s worked with the Citizens Police Academy, Kiddo Card Program, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run which supports the Special Olympics. Keller has been named Morning Exchange Club Officer of the Quarter, Citizens Police Academy Officer of the Year, Crimestoppers Peace Officer of the Year, and the Mt. Hiram Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
In his current role as Public Relations Director, Keller performs many duties for the benefit of the city including coordinating city events and maintaining media and public relations for the city.
Keller is active in his church, helps coach youth sports, served on and chaired the Cove House Homeless Shelter board of directors, and participated in mission trips with Grace United Methodist Church and the First Baptist Church of Gatesville.
With all of this, it’s no wonder why Frank Somera Jr. nominated Keller for the award.
“He’s a very active individual,” said Somera Jr. “He’s done lots of good for the city and various organizations. I felt that he deserved this award.”
For his part, Kevin Keller was humbled by the award and temporarily speechless. He said that he knows about the requirements for the award and how much those who came before him did to earn their own awards.
“As a city employee, you serve because it’s in your heart,” said Keller. “Just to be considered for the award means a lot, and I’m truly humbled.”