KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The Keene Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own.

In a statement issued Wednesday morning Fire Chief Jason Martin and Rob Skrocki, President of the Professional Firefighters of Keene, announced the passing of Lieutenant Aaron “Coop” Cooper.

Cooper served the City of Keene for 24 years and retired in June 2024. He was awarded a Class II Medal of Valor for rescuing a civilian during the five-alarm fire at Cobblestone Ale House in 2022. Cooper was also a founding member of Project Mayday, which advocates for firefighter health and wellness.

In the spring of 2023 Cooper was diagnosed with stage four metastatic lung cancer, which was believed to be directly related to his occupation as a firefighter. A GoFundMe Campaign from May of 2023 raised $18,606 to help offset expenses during his treatment.

“Coop’s multi-year battle with cancer was as valiant as his service; fought with quiet resilience, dignity, and the heart of a warrior, in spite of his peaceful and loving nature,” Martin and Skrocki said.

Cooper was a beloved member of the Keene fire community.

“He answered every call with strength and compassion, giving his all to protect the lives and property of others,” the release says. “Much more than a firefighter, Coop was a mentor, a leader, a brother, a son, a devoted husband, father, and a dear friend.”

Martin and Skrocki extended their sympathies to Coopers family during this time. Funeral and memorial details will be share at a later date when they become available.

UPDATE:

A funeral service for Aaron will be held Friday, June 20 at 11 a.m. at the United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene.

After the funeral service all personnel will march to the reception. Bussing will be available for those unable to march.

A reception wil follow at Keene State College—Zorn Dining Commons.

Personnel are asked to stage outside the Keene UCC on Central Square by 10:30 a.m. Bussing from parking locations will drop personnel directly at the church.

Parking/bussing information will be distributed at a time closer to the service.

There will be no wake or walkthrough.

The Keene Police Department is warning drivers of some road closures and parking restrictions on Friday for the funeral. From 8 a.m.  to 1 p.m., Central Square will be closed from Court to Washington Streets, along with Washington Street from Spring street to Central Square. Traffic on Washington Street will be detoured onto Spring Street except for local traffic and parking from Spring Street to Central Square. As far as parking is concerned – there will be no parking in Central Square between Court and washington Street, and in all spaces on the East side of Court Street from 49 Court St. to Vernon Street.

Visiting honor guards are welcome, however, please RSVP with Lieutenant Jake Poulin jpoulin@keenenh.gov

Any departments willing and able to provide apparatus and personnel coverage for the members of L-3265 please reach out to Deputy Chief Greg Seymour, a seymour@keenenh.gov, 603-803-8315.