Wayne UNICO Donates $1,600 to Injured Officer

The Wayne UNICO chapter recently presented Officer Bob Franco with $1,600.

The Italian-American service organization sold Poinsettia plants last year to raise money for Franco.

Franco was severely injured when a tree fell on the vehicle he was in while on patrol during Superstorm Sandy. He was immobilized for several weeks following the accident, but has steadily recovered. He has regained a lot of motion in his arms, legs, and hands.

UNICO is the largest Italian-American service organization in the United States. The Wayne chapter was founded in 2011.

The fundraiser is one of many such events held for Franco since the accident.

Farms View donated a portion of sales one day last year near Christmas to Franco. A few residents organized a charity marathon not long after the accident.

Kevin Hughes, a Wayne Valley High School student, sold hundreds of candy canes and gave Franco and his family more than $900.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police presented Franco and his family with a check for $25,000 last week.

“Every time I turn around another association taking care of me. I don’t know how much more appreciation I have in me. I’m very appreciative and very humbled,” Franco said after receiving the check. 

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