Crime & Safety

Student Donates Another $500 to Injured Officer

Kevin Hughes partners with car wash to help Officer Bob Franco.

Kevin Hughes’ mission is complete.

Hughes, a student at Wayne Valley High School, recently gave $1,400 to Officer Bob Franco as part of his Help a Hero campaign.

Franco suffered a severe spinal cord injury when a tree fell on the vehicle he was in during superstorm Sandy. He nearly died in the vehicle but police officers and firefighters extricated him. He rehabilitated and recovered quickly.

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Franco has received donations from several residents, community organizations and businesses, including $25,000 from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. Franco is expected to return to duty.

Hughes’ family is friends with Franco.

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Hughes sold hundreds of candy canes last winter to raise $900.  He also partnered with Lincoln Wayne Car Wash. The business donated $5 for every gift card purchased in January. They donated the additional $500.

“I’m so proud of the way the town reacted to what happened to Bob,” Hughes said. “I received donations from across the country. It’s not just what one person can do it’s about what one town and one high school can do.”

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