Little League Named After Murdered Wayne Police Officer Helps Reduce Crime In NYC Neighborhood

A little league founded in memory and named after a New York City police officer murdered in 1988 was featured on ESPN's SportsCenter recently.

Michael Buczek was 24 years old when he was a shot and killed serving at the New York City Police Department's 34th precinct in 1988. The precinct was located in Washington Heights, which was then one of the city's most dangerous areas at the time. There were 75 murders and 8,200 other crimes committed there in 1988, police said in the ESPN piece.

"It was the place to stay away from," said Officer Carlos Peralta.

Buczek believed in giving back to community he served and wanted to help the residents of Washington Heights.

"He saw something wonderful in these people," said Mary Jo Buczek, Michael's sister.

The Police Officer Michael Buczek Little League was founded in 1989. Police officers volunteer their time to coach the teams.

Starting with the 2002 season, players' jerseys have the name of a police officer killed in the line of duty, rather than their own. The league received the annual Carl E. Stotz Little League Community Award and a $5,000 grant. Only one of the 7,500 little leagues in the United States receives the prestigious award.

More than 30 former league players have gone into law enforcement.

"I'm a firm believer that the little league has contributed to the reduction in violence in Washington Heights," said Sgt. John Moynihan "There's such an important, integral bond between the police and the community."

To watch the ESPN piece, click here.