SignalsAZ.com Prescott News Podcast - Disney Animator Glen Keane Honors Phoenix First Responders

Episode Date: September 1, 2026

Send us a text and chime in!Glen Keane’s name may not be familiar to most, but for decades his talent with a pencil brought Disney animated characters to life and earned worldwide recognition. Now, a personalized drawing will hang in the Phoenix Police Air Support Unit and at the Phoenix Fire Department’s Station 12. The gift comes after the teams, along with Tempe Fire, rescued Keane from Mummy Mountain on July 29, 2026. Titled “Our Family Helping Your Family,” the artwork depicts the Phoenix Police Department’s helicopter hoisting Keane from the mountain while Phoenix Fire crews assist him. Renowned for animating Ariel in The Little Mermaid,...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/disney-animator-glen-keane-honors-phoenix-first-responders/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Text-to-speech audio articles made possible on the Cast11.com podcast network by Fane Signature Group. Glenn Keene's name may not be familiar to most, but for decades his talent with a pencil brought Disney animated characters to life and earned worldwide recognition. Now, a personalized drawing will hang in the Phoenix Police Air Support Unit and at the Phoenix Fire Department Station 12. The gift comes after the teams, along with Tempe Fire, rescued Keene from Mummy Mountain on July 29, 2026. Titled Our Family Helping Your Family, the artwork depicts the Phoenix Police Department's helicopter hoisting Keen from the mountain while Phoenix fire crews assist him. Renowned for animating Ariel and The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Beast and Tarzan, Keen said he originally considered drawing one of his Disney characters. He decided that would take away from what he called the real heroes, the first responders who showed up that day. There's no fairy tale to this. You guys are the heroes, Keen said. At the station, Keen greeted rescuers with one. warmth and humor, saying, you were all over the place, before unveiling the artwork.

Fire Captain Patrick O'Neill said the gift means a great deal because rescuers often receive no follow-up. He said the gesture shows true gratitude and will hang in the station forever. I was already out on a patrol flight when the call came in. I first used our patrol helicopter to guide fire crews to Mr. Keene's location, Phoenix Police Pilot Officer Aaron Richards said. After that, I returned to the hangar and launched our hoist-capable rescue helicopter. Once fire crews had him stabilized and prepared for extraction, I lifted Mr. Keene off the mountain. Keene has spoken publicly about how difficult it can be to ask for help during an emergency. I think it's the most difficult thing for somebody to say, I can't, I need help.

And I got to that point, and I was so thankful there was somebody I could call, Keen said. He also said the rescue left a lasting impact. I can't just go off into the sunset and be happy. I felt like I really needed to say thank you to what you guys did. Watch Keens visit an artwork presentation. Read more stories from the Phoenix area on Signalsauz.com. Subscribe and be the F-1 RST2-No.