Crime & Safety
Officer Who Died In Line Of Duty Honored With New Scholarship In Union County
Hand died at 45 years old in 1975.
CRANFORD, NJ — The legacy of Patrolman Robert Hand is being honored through a new scholarship established by Union County and the Union County College Foundation.
Hand, the only Cranford Police Officer to die in the line of duty, was killed in 1975 during a vehicle chase. Hand's vehicle crashed into the window of a glass store while he was pursuing the driver who had fled.
He was 45 years old and spent 19 years serving the Cranford Police Department and the community. Hand was also a United States Air Force Corporal and President of the Local No. 52 Police Benevolence Association.
Find out what's happening in Cranfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This fall, students at UCNJ Union College of Union County are working to honor his "integrity, kindness, and compassion for his community" with the brand new Robert F. Hand Memorial Scholarship.
The funds will be awarded to students at UCNJ who are particularly committed to public service, law enforcement, or community leadership.
Find out what's happening in Cranfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Hand is survived by two sons and two daughters.
MORE FROM PATCH:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
