Residents Running for Injured Officer

Two Wayne residents are running this weekend in support of a Wayne police officer who was seriously injured while responding to Hurricane Sandy.

Danielle Hasenbein and Hara O’Dowd will run 26.2 miles around Packanack Lake on Sunday to raise money for officer Bob Franco and his family.

Franco suffered a severe spinal injury when a tree fell on the patrol car he was in during Hurricane Sandy on Monday. He remains immobilized at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. His injury is severe.

Chief John Reardon has said that Franco will take a “long time” recover.

The girls were scheduled to run in the New York City marathon but New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg cancelled the event amidst public outcry.

“We want to honor him by rallying our community to raise money for him and his family,” Hasenbein said.

The girls are looking for sponsors to donate at least $1 for every mile they run. Others may join the girls as they run.

Route details and a start time will be publicized tomorrow, Hasenbein said.

Information about donating online can be found here.

In related news, resident and runner Seth Ruderman, who was also supposed to run in the marathon, is collecting donations of food, water, warm clothes, and blankets Saturday. Donations will be distributed to New York City food pantries.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.