Major James Keleti
By Andrew C. Hanko, former Mayor of New Carrollton, MD
The City of New Carrollton has reason to celebrate! One of its own was recently promoted to Major in the Prince George's County Police Department, James Keleti. Major James Keleti is the Commander of District 7, located in the southern region of Prince George's County consisting of Accokeek, Fort Washington and Brandywine.
Major Keleti is the son of Stephen and the late Grace Keleti. He grew up in the City on 84th Avenue. He attended Carrollton Elementary School after which he went to Charles Carroll Middle School, then DeMatha Catholic High School where he was on the varsity wrestling team. He played various sports for the New Carrollton Boys and Girls Club and was a member of the New Carrollton Pool. Major Keleti fondly recalls growing up in the City, reflecting on the close-knit nature of the community. Without hesitation, he offered that the City was a great place to grow up, adding that City Corn Boils were not to be missed.
Mayor Hanko fondly recalls James riding his tricycle around the neighborhood making police siren sounds. The Major's father recalls him directing traffic as a child. Clearly Major Keleti was destined to be a police officer! In fact, he cannot remember ever wanting to be anything else. The Major began his career as a volunteer fire fighter with the West Lanham Hills Fire Department. He was then a Special Police Officer for Montgomery Wards at Capital Plaza before becoming a police officer with the Prince George's County Police Department, where he has been ever since. Major Keleti served as Commander in the Investigative, Narcotic and National Harbor units of the Prince George's County Police. Today, as Commander of District 7, he reviews crime reports, manages day to day operations of and meets with community members and groups, which he finds most rewarding. Major Keleti is delighted to have a strong supportive community and a Citizen's Advisory Council he calls "the best." Communication is the key as he believes you can resolve a lot of issues with good communication.
Major Keleti's advice to those who want to be successful in their careers: stay focused, stay committed, work hard and never give up! He also admonishes that a family/work balance is very important. He is very grateful that he had a family that supported him in his career through the years. What he likes the most about his job is the opportunity to help people in their time of need and keep everyone as safe as possible.
Major Keleti now lives in Bowie. He has two daughters and two grand-daughters, of whom he is very proud.
Congratulations Major Keleti on a job well done!