Cranford Police Honor Only Officer To Die In Line Of Duty

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford Police marked the 51st anniversary of the death of one of their own on Wednesday.

Patrolman Robert F. Hand is the only Cranford officer to ever be killed in the line of duty.

The 45-year-old died during a vehicle chase, leading to decades of memorials and tributes in his honor.

Over just the last few months, multiple recognitions of his service have been made by the Union County community.

Last week, members of the Cranford Police Department wore black mourning bands on their uniforms from Feb. 5 through Thursday in remembrance of Patrolman Hand.

Towards the end of 2025, UCNJ Union College of Union County students reestablished a scholarship in his honor.

The award is granted to scholars who show a commitment to public service, law enforcement, or community leadership.

Along with serving the Cranford Police Department for 19 years, Hand was a United States Air Force Corporal and President of the Local No. 52 Police Benevolence Association.

On Feb. 11, 1975 at around 8:45 p.m., Hand tried to stop a car driven by an 18-year-old from Clark. Witnesses had said the man was driving recklessly, according to the Township.

A chase then ensued that stretched a mile from Walnut Avenue into Clark.

While trying to swerve and avoid another car at the intersection of Westfield Avenue and Branch Avenue, the police vehicle crashed into the D&B Glass and Mirror storefront.

The driver kept going into Clark on the way to Rahway, where he was met with a roadblock set up by Rahway Police. The man was then stopped and arrested.

He told authorities he panicked when Hand was behind him and started to drive away.

Hand died at around 10:30 p.m. that night at Rahway Hospital.

More than 700 officers participated in his final procession from Dooley Funeral Home to St. Michael's Church for his funeral mass with full police honors.

A stone memorializing Hand with his name and Badge #26 stands in front of Cranford Police Headquarters to this day, along with a portrait, a photograph, and his badge inside the building.

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