Police Officers Make Impact As Little League Coaches

Tom Keleen and Mark Kopczynski have been coaching Pee Wee baseball in Fort Lee together for the past two years for children between five and seven years old.

Keleen is the head coach and has been a part of the Fort Lee Police Department since 2007. He works in the Patrol Division and is a member of other specialized units such as the Emergency Services Unit and the Honor Guard. 

Kopczynski, who is Keleen's assistant coach, is a transit officer with the NY/NJ Port Authority who also resides in Fort Lee.

June Keleen, Tom’s wife, and Joanie Kopczynski, Mark’s wife, are dugout moms and are an important part of the entire operation.

"June and Joanie have been invaluable as dugout moms and help us keep the younger children focused, making sure they have all the equipment, help them when in the field or batting and keeping them as safe as possible," Keleen said.

Tom Keleen got started coaching when his daughter wanted to play soccer and baseball. Keleen also coaches soccer for kids from seven to nine.

Keleen said there are many things he enjoys about coaching youth sports.

"The best part is to be able to enjoy my own children, to spend time with them and to watch them grow and learn while having fun," he said. "I also enjoy knowing that I can influence children in a positive way and help them learn and better themselves. I know that I am doing the right thing and leaving an impact when returning players, and parents, are happy that we have them on our team again."

Keleen and Lopczynski are also currently coaching in the summer league for children in virtually all age groups.

The past two years have been very enjoyable for Keleen, and he has loved every part of it.

"I have been very lucky to have great coaches and assistants, parents and children these past few years," he said. "Along with Coach Howard Pearl, Mark and [my] first year as coaches ended in a championship at the Pee Wee level, which was fantastic to see the player’s reactions when they won. It is a very satisfying feeling to watch them enjoy themselves and their experiences during each season."

Keleen and Kopczynski are very busy being police officers, and coaching youth sports is a nice way for them to give back to the community and watch their kids grow up.