Meet Your Fort Lee Neighbor: Police Officer Tom Keelen

Fort Lee Police Officer Tom Keelen works, lives and volunteers a substantial amount of time in the Borough of Fort Lee. Keelen attended high school in North Arlington, where he was a member of the football and baseball teams. 

He recalls that his mother and father were very involved in his activities, including coaching his youth sports teams. 

Keelen's parents made it “so much fun that many kids wanted to be coached by my parents,” Keelen said. 

After high school, Tom and his brother followed suit by coaching youth sports in North Arlington.

Aside from his love of sports, Keelen had a strong interest in law enforcement. Right out of high school, he demonstrated his sincere interest by becoming a dispatcher for the North Arlington Police Department. Keelen later became a security guard at Hackensack Hospital, and then he transitioned into a position as a Special Officer in Wallington. 

At the same time, Tom was a volunteer and paid EMT in North Arlington.

In 2002, Keelen applied to work as a civilian in the Bergen County Jail. Shortly thereafter, he was hired as a Corrections Officer in East Jersey State Prison (EJSP) in Rahway. 

Tom said he learned fairly quickly, especially when significantly outnumbered, that “being respectful earned respect and made the job easier in difficult situations.”  

Keelen moved to Fort Lee in 2003, shortly after starting at the state prison.

After four years at EJSP, he returned to the Bergen County Jail as a Sworn Corrections Officer. Although he learned a great deal as a corrections officer, his true goal was to become a police officer.

And in 2007, Keelen achieved that goal, getting hired as a police officer for the . He was drawn to the FLPD because of its excellent reputation statewide, strong community relations and professionalism. 

“The Fort Lee Police Department is highly trained and allows its officers to build on knowledge from specialized training, so that they can handle any situation they are confronted with,” Keelen said.

As an officer, Keelen has been able to implement the lessons he learned as a corrections officer and his police advanced training, to diffuse volatile situations or prevent confrontations.

In 2008, Keelen became a member of the Emergency Services Unit for tactical situations. He also received other specialized training, becoming a certified EMT and Heavy Rescue Technician.

Apart from his professional training and active duty responsibilities, Keelen regularly participates in volunteer and community activities as a member of the Fort Lee Police Department.   

He is a member of the Fort Lee Police Honor Guard, represents the police department in charity events such as 5K races, raising money for cancer and diabetes research and to benefit the Special Olympics.

Keelen also participates in the annual Torch Run, which is held throughout the State of New Jersey, culminating in Trenton, and is a member of Fort Lee Police Department sports teams.

Keelen emphasized that his volunteer and community commitments are supported and encouraged by the police department because, he said, it is “what the department stands for.”

Tom has received several commendations, including the Meritorious Service Award for actions taken in the line of duty, for performance as an EMT and the Top Physical Fitness Award within the Emergency Services Unit. 

In addition to the significant time he contributes as a member of the police force, Tom also finds the time to get involved in his community as a resident of Fort Lee. Following in the footsteps of his parents, Tom coaches the teams his daughter plays on in baseball and soccer.

He finds coaching a very rewarding experience, watching a child develop their skills and maturity on the field. 

“It is not always about winning but learning to play the game and being a team player,” he said.

Keelen believes that by coaching in the town he serves as an officer, kids will be familiar with him and won’t hesitate to approach him when they see him in uniform if they need help.

Keelen said he and his wife enjoy living in Fort Lee and believe their daughter receives a good education and is exposed to many positive aspects of community.

One thing people may be surprised to know about Keelen is that he plays guitar and especially likes hard rock and heavy metal music.

Tom Keelen is a great example of someone who is committed and contributes greatly to his profession and the community he lives in.

Fort Lee should be proud to have Officer Tom Keelen on its team.