Running Like a Marine by Jordan Schwartz Anyone can say they support the troops. Paul Hasselberger is doing something to prove it. The three-year veteran of the Clifton Police Department is running in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. on Oct. 28. After running a number of charity 5Ks with fellow officers from the CPD, Hasselberger, 30, considered taking part in longer races. “I’ve talked to the guys about running a marathon and the sense of accomplishment they felt after crossing the finish line,” he said. Wanting to experience that sensation, the Lakeview resident did some research and came across the Marine Corps Marathon’s website (marinemarathon.com) with a link to several charities. “I learned about the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and immediately knew I wanted to do more than just donate to their cause,” said Hasselberger. The Clifton cop works with a lot of Marines and even attended his brother Pete’s graduation from Parris Island. He said he’s developed a great respect for these soldiers. “I regret not joining when I was younger and I feel that by running this marathon and raising money to help those Marines who have been injured in combat, I can do my part,” Hasselberger said. The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund covers the collateral expenses associated with a soldier that gets hurt. For example, if a mother or father is wounded in Iraq, the fund would pay for the marine’s family to fly out to be with them. The fund
Clifton Police Officer Paul Hasselberger is running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. on Oct. 28 in order to raise money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. To donate, visit active.com/donate/teamsemperfi/hberg.
has also been used to save a couple’s home after a woman was fired for taking time off from work to be with her husband who had been injured. The charity has provided Hasselberger with a website (see caption above) to track donations and to allow others to donate online. His goal is to raise $2,000 and he’s already more than a quarter
of the way there because the Clifton PBA #36 gave $500. Checks should be made out to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and should be mailed to Clifton PBA #36, P.O. Box 1436, Clifton, NJ 07015. Hasselberger has been running at least five times a week in preparation for the marathon. Officer Mike Panepinto, a retired marine, October 2007 • Clifton Merchant
25