Cranford PBA Participate in Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

If you travel down North Avenue on Friday, June 7th at around 11:00 AM, you may see Cranford Police, Port Authority of NY/NJ Police and the State Police driving with lights and sirens activated – but for positive reasons.  Cranford PBA members will once again participate in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics of New Jersey.

Cranford PBA members are slated to receive the symbolic torch from Roselle Park PBA and will run on North Avenue from Roselle Park to Garwood Boro, where the torch will be passed along to Garwood PBA members. Cranford PBA has participated in this fundraiser for the Special Olympics annually and has raised thousands of dollars for this worthy cause.

"The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, raising $34 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world in 2008," said Cranford PBA President Steve D’Ambola. "Cranford PBA's participants are proud to be among the 85,000 officers worldwide who participate in this event annually, in which teams may only be started by Law Enforcement Officers. The Cranford PBA has participated in this run for over 15 years and raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics New Jersey”.

This year, Cranford PBA members will carry the "Flame of Hope" through Cranford with Special Olympics Competitor and Cranford Resident Tommy Wisniewski.  

"For members of the Cranford PBA, it’s another way for us to give back to our community and to wear another "hat" as police officers who realize the importance of events such as this while "off the clock" added D’Ambola.  “We are thrilled to run alongside Tommy Wisniewski to kick off the Summer 2013 games”. Donations can be made by going to https://secure.sonj.org/torch-run/donate and selecting “Cranford PD” as a recipient of your contribution.  All proceeds will go directly to the NJ Special Olympics in Cranford PBA’s name.

The Cranford PBA is a not-for-profit 501(c)9 fraternal organization whose membership participates in numerous charitable activities, including awarding the Officer Robert F. Hand Memorial Scholarship to a Cranford High School Senior annually.