WHITINSVILLE, Mass. – The Blackstone Heritage Corridor has granted North Smithfield’s Richard Keene the John H. Chafee Leadership Award, an honor recognizing his years of contribution to quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley through efforts focused on promoting local culture, heritage and preservation.
Keene, a former North Smithfield fire chief who has served president of the North Smithfield Heritage Association since 2018, received the honor at the organization’s 2024 “Champions of the Blackstone” awards reception, held on Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Singh Performance Center at Alternatives’ Whitin Mill in Whitinsville.
Keene was one of two recipients of the John H. Chafee Leadership Award, which honors the late senator’s legacy of making environmental matters a priority, including successful advocacy for the preservation and development of the corridor. Bruce Curliss of North Providence was also recognized for his advocacy for indigenous rights and environmental stewardship.
“Our dedicated supporters and volunteers are the fabric of the Corridor and play a vital role in the preservation of its historic, natural and recreational resources,” said BHC Executive Director Devon Kurtz. “Their commitment has improved the quality of life for the communities within the corridor and we are deeply thankful for their service and leadership.”
Keene was nominated by Jeff Harris and Elizabeth Faricy of the NSHA, who noted that he has embodied the qualities of outstanding leadership, and through the association has advanced cultural heritage with cemetery restoration projects, historical preservation, and the dutiful protection of natural areas. Founded in 1970, the NSHA is a fully volunteer non-profit that strives to preserve and promote the culture, heritage and natural resources of North Smithfield.
A North Smithfield native, Keene was once an assistant vice commander for the United States Special Operations Command, a unified combatant command charged with overseeing the various special operations of the Army, Marine Corps Navy and Air Force. Prior to his retirement in 2018, Keene also was also the founder and chief manager of Quantum Impact, LLC, a consulting firm for defense and national security.
Last week’s BHC event also celebrated volunteers with the National Park Service’s Volunteers-In-Parks program for dedicating more than $1 million in service and 31,233 volunteer hours over the past year. The NPS VIP program, administered by the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, is made up of more than 250 volunteers that share time and expertise with visitors throughout the Valley. Park volunteers who serve 250 hours earn a complimentary America the Beautiful Pass, providing them free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.
Keene was just one of 19 BHC volunteers to earn a 2024 pass. Other VIP volunteers recognized included Sue Ciaramicoli; John Marsland; Paul Schaefer; Al Menard; Keith Hainley; Betty Mencucci; Bruce DeVault; Al Salemi; Brian Garrett; Charlie Wilson; Cheryl Thompson; Justine Brewer; Christine Watkins; Kim Walker; Pat Giles; Bill Ela; Norma Bedrosian and Ken Ethier.
Congratulations to everyone and thank you for all that you do!