"Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Florham Park (NJ) Police Officers Francis Dailey Jr. and Robert Hauptman
Description
McLean, VA (November 11, 2025) - On July 17, 1975, two Florham Park, New Jersey, police officers—Patrolman Robert Hauptman and Det. Francis “Frank” Dailey Jr.—were killed in an airplane crash while returning from a reconnaissance flight searching for a marijuana crop. They were close to landing when their airplane stalled and then clipped a tree. They crashed to the ground and both officers were killed—50 years ago. In 1997, more than two decades later, a young Florham Park police sergeant named Patrick Montuore was concerned that too many people had forgotten about these two fallen heroes. Pat was determined to revive their memories, along with the memories of thousands of other officers who had died in the line of duty. He envisioned a powerful tribute: a 300-mile bicycle ride from Florham Park to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. He called it the Police Unity Tour. On that first ride in 1997, only 18 riders participated and they raised $18,000. The ride has grown every year since. This year, nearly 2,500 members participated and they donated $2.2 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Their total donations since 1997 have now surpassed more than $40 million. Listen to the podcast to learn more.
Citizens Behind the Badge communicates through Substack! Please share this post and encourage others to subscribe for free and hear about other law enforcement heroes.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit behindbadge.substack.com
United States
