Community Corner

Super Bowl Champ Shaun O'Hara Returns Home, Honors Hillsborough Police

Hillsborough High School graduate and New York Giants Super Bowl Champ Shaun O'Hara surprised his hometown police with a special visit.

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough High School graduate and New York Giants Super Bowl Champ Shaun O'Hara returned to his hometown to honor police with pizza and a special visit.

"Shaun has a lot of respect and admiration for the people who put their lives on the line for others day in and day out," said Jim Ruh, executive director of the Shaun O’Hara Foundation.

O'Hara teamed up with Hillsborough-based Bella Pizza to bring food to the police and their families.

Find out what's happening in Hillsboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"It was a small token of appreciation for what they do on a daily basis," said Akhtar Farzaie, owner of Bella Pizza at 340 S Branch Rd.

O'Hara also brought the Lombardi trophy to the police station.

Find out what's happening in Hillsboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"I think it was great, a lot of police officers with their kids and families were there. Shaun shared stories, signed autographs — he is a stand-up guy," said Farzaie.

O'Hara grew up in Hillsborough and graduated from Hillsborough High School where he played football. He went on to play for Rutgers University Scarlet Knights football team and then the New York Giants.

"The members of the Hillsborough Police Department are extremely appreciative for the generosity and support offered by Shaun O'Hara, Jim Ruh and the Shaun O'Hara Foundation," said Hillsborough Police Capt. Dave Fisher. "There are a lot of people in the community that support law enforcement and we are very humbled that Shaun returned to his hometown and took the time to show his support for us and our families by providing us dinner catered by Bella Pizza, spending time with us and autographing memorabilia for the kids."

O'Hara's non-profit foundation was created in 2009 with the primary mission of Helping to Increase Knowledge and Education of life-threatening diseases, with a particular focus on supporting research and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. Since its inception, the organization has raised $1 million. For more information visit shaunoharafoundation.org.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.