By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Special Law Enforcement Officer Class 1 Ron Crane of the Pennsauken Township Police Department is raising funds to support the family of a fallen South Jersey police officer.

From March 5-7, Crane will participate in the “4x4x48 Challenge,” running four miles, every four hours, for 48 hours. The run is inspired by the book, “Can’t Hurt Me,” written by retired Navy Seal David Goggin. Goggin has encouraged participants to make the challenge a fundraising effort and to focus on mental health issues.

Crane has chosen to support the family of Audubon Police Officer Michael McCausland, who passed away on Feb. 8 of this year. He left behind a wife and three young children. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds.

“I am also partaking in this challenge in order to raise awareness for the mental health epidemic plaguing not only our first responders, but the general population,” Crane posted on the GoFundMe page. “A continuously growing percentage, 60 percent of Americans with a diagnosable form of mental illness receive no treatment or medication.”

“Ronny will be using the treadmill in the Police Department’s gym to complete this grueling task,” wrote Pennsauken Police Chief John Nettleton in a memo to officers. “I encourage everyone to support him in his efforts.”

All donations will be distributed to Nicole McCausland at the end of this month.