'Incalculable Sadness:' Grief For NJ Cop Killed While Hunting

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ - Hamburg Police Officer Jason Franco was killed in a hunting accident on Tuesday afternoon and now, as friends, family and colleagues mourn him, a fundraiser has been set up to support his survivors.

"He was very nice, friendly, and outgoing," Kim Walley, who works with Franco's wife Michelle told Patch. "When you saw Michelle and Jay together, you could just feel the love of a beautiful relationship."

After the news of the accident broke, Walley and Michelle's other colleagues launched the fundraiser page to help Michelle and sons Jase and Kyle.

"Jason's death was an unbelievably tragic accident, and we cannot even imagine the pain Michelle, Kyle, and Jase must be going through. Hoping to cover any funeral expenses, bills, and anything else they need, especially with the holidays right around the corner," Walley said. "Michelle is a loving and caring person, and would do the same for any of us."

Walley noted not only Michelle's heart and kindness, but her work ethic.

"Michelle works as a certified surgical technologist, and is about one week away from finishing the nursing program at Sussex Community College," Walley said. "She worked so hard to get where she is, and Jay was a big support for her while in school."

Franco was supporting his wife, who supported him when he achieved what colleagues said was his lifelong dream of becoming a municipal police officer.

PBA Local Association 138 said Franco's death caused "incalculable sadness."

"Brother Franco, or simply 'Jay' to those who were fortunate enough to know him, fulfilled his childhood wish to become a municipal Police Officer when he was hired by the Hamburg Police Department in 2018 where he has remained until now," they said in a release. "A dedicated community servant, prior to that, he worked for the Sussex County Department of Public Works and volunteered as both a Firefighter in Dingman's Ferry, PA and Montague Township as well as a Hazardous Materials Technician for the Sussex County HAZMAT Team. At the time of his hiring, Jay was already serving as a Police Officer with the William Paterson University Police Department."

The PBA noted that Franco was well-liked and respected by his coworkers in Hamburg as well as the law enforcement community in general, and that he will be missed by all but undoubtedly by none more than his family.

"Our hearts go out to his mom, Sue, his wife, Michelle and the rest of Jayś family. Truly, words cannot express the grief for the loss we all feel," they wrote. "Rest in peace, brother. We will take it from here."

As of Friday, the GoFundMe page has raised over $35,000 to assist with funeral expenses and continuing the family's health insurance coverage which, without Franco's continued employment, will expire at the end of the month.

Additionally, anyone who wishes to send a check or money order by mail, PBA Local 138 will collect funds to deliver to Franco family. Make checks payable to Michelle Franco and mail them to:

PBA Local 138
PO Box 520
Andover, NJ 07821

Visitation is scheduled for Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank Street in Sussex Borough, followed by a funeral service.

Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.