FWC officer shot amid hit and run pursuit to be honored

SMITHFIELD, N.C. - June 15, 2020 - PRLog -- A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer found dead after allegedly pursuing a suspect involved in a hit and run in LaBelle, Florida will be honored with an apparel fundraiser for his family.

While off duty, Officer Julian Keen of the FWC allegedly became involved in a chase in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 14. Sources say he was trying to apprehend a suspect who fled after a crash near Apache Circle and Nobles Road in Hendry County, Florida.

County deputies later found Keen shot dead, with the suspect still at large. They are currently investigating.

Officer Keen, age 30, was a LaBelle area native and high school athlete who was recruited to play college football at Webber International University in Babson Park, Florida. He had served with the FWC for four years.

Through Shield Republic Charities' "Hold the Line" campaign, the American lifestyle brand will sell apparel honoring Officer Keen, including t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, hoodies, ladies' tank tops and decals made in the U.S.A. Net proceeds from the sale will be donated to the officer's family.

"It's a sad day for the state of Florida and for the law enforcement community when a noble officer like Julian Keen loses his life sacrificing himself for the public good while off duty," said Charlie Romero, spokesperson for Shield Republic. "At Shield Republic, we wanted to honor this brave man while offering support to his family during this difficult time."

View the Hold the Line fundraiser page for Officer Keen at https://www.shieldrepublic.com/products/100-donation-hold-the-line-officer-julian-keen.

Shield Republic's Hold the Line fundraisers have donated more than $300,000 this year to the families and units of fallen first responders, police officers and K9 police dogs.

For more information about the Shield Republic Charities, contact charities@shieldrepublic.com.

About Shield Republic

Established in 2016, Shield Republic is an American lifestyle brand based outside Raleigh, North Carolina. The company offers creative, fresh apparel and merchandise embodying American pride. Everything sold by Shield Republic is designed and manufactured in the United States. Shield Republic appeals to patriotic Americans passionate about personal strength, second amendment rights and military strength. Through Shield Republic Charities, the company shows appreciation to soldiers, first responders and their families.

Learn more about Shield Republic and shop the online store at https://www.shieldrepublic.com.  Read the Shield Republic lifestyle blog at https://patriot.shieldrepublic.com. Follow Shield Republic on Facebook (@ShieldRepublicCo), Instagram (@shield_republic), Twitter (@shieldrepublic) and Pinterest (@shield_republic).