Woodland Park softball tournament hits home run for Survivor and Welfare Fund
Three years ago when Katie Kallert sat down with her mother and Woodland Park Councilwoman Tracy Kallert, they were trying to decide on a way to honor law enforcement. It wasn’ t a great time in the law enforcement community, so the Kallerts came up with the idea to hold a charity softball tournament.
Kaitlyn and Tracy chose to hold a softball tournament because Kaitlyn played and excelled in the sport in college. But before you start picturing 90 m. p. h. pitches being thrown, Katie explained that the officers play one-pitch softball, which is a lot less competitive.
Besides the tournament being a fun day off for law enforcement, it serves an important cause. Each year they select one fallen officer to honor, and a portion of the proceeds goes to his or her family. The remaining proceeds are donated to the Survivor and Welfare fund.
This year, 12 teams made up of officers from Passaic and Essex Counties participated and ultimately raised a total of $ 10,800. Of the total amount, $ 9,000 was donated to the Survivor and Welfare fund, while $ 1,800 went to the family of Tryon Franklin from Paterson Local 1. Franklin was tragically gunned down while off duty in Paterson in January 2007.
For the Kallerts, it’ s about more than just the amount of money raised; it’ s seeing the appreciation from the families of the honorees.
“ The family of the [ chosen ] officer are always so nice and grateful for what we’ re doing,” Katie expressed.
Whether it’ s running the bases or swinging the bat, these ladies have organized a great event to honor the fallen. �
80 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ JUNE 2017