PBA Remembers Fallen Officer With Scholarships

The Cranford Policemen's Benevolent Association Local No. 52 has announced that this year they will offer two $500 scholarships available to Cranford residents in memory of a fallen officer.

The scholarship is named after Cranford Officer Robert F. Hand, who was killed in the line of duty on February 11, 1975.

"This year will mark the 35th anniversary of Officer Robert F. Hand's line of duty death," said PBA. President Matthew Nazzaro. "The spirit of The Officer Robert F. Hand Memorial Scholarship is to honor him and recognize the sacrifice that he and his family made."

Nazzaro noted that Hand was affectionately nicknamed "The Senator" by his fellow officers because he couldn't walk more than a block without stopping to greet a dozen people.

"Officer Hand always had time to stop and say hello to people. He was notorious for his willingness to help anyone in need and for putting others before himself. His values truly embody what our organization stands for," said Nazzaro.

Hand was a 19-year veteran of the Cranford Police Department. He was killed in the line of duty after the cruiser he was driving struck a glass store during a pursuit. He left behind two sons and two daughters.

Applicants must be high school seniors that will be enrolled as a full time student at a college or university in the fall of 2010. Scholarship applications are due by April 30 and are being distributed by the Cranford High School Guidance Department and the Cranford PBA.