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MORRISTOWN -- The retired lieutenant of the Roxbury Police Department who was critically injured in a bicycle crash during the Police Unity Tour Monday has died, his family said.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Franklin," Franklin's family said in a statement. "Helping others even in death, he donated his organs to those in need. We request privacy during this extremely difficult time and thank the community for their support."

Franklin was critically injured Monday during the first day of the 320-mile bike ride to Washington D.C. in honor of officers killed in the line of duty. He was taken to Morristown Medical Center following the crash.

Franklin served with the department for 25 years, but his greatest contribution was the initiation of the department's police explorer program, Explorer Post 2188 in 1991, Roxbury police Chief Marc Palanchi in a statement.

"Over 500 young men and women participated in the Explorer's Program during Joe's supervision," Palanchi said. "He gave his time, energy and provided leadership and guidance to young people effortlessly. Following the example set forth by Joe, many of those explorers went on to become police officers, while others simply went on to become productive members of society."

During his tenure with the department, Franklin graduated from the West Point Command and Leadership program in 1997 and received the William H. Sturgeon Leadership Award from the Boy Scouts of America in 1993.

"If I could sum up Joe in one word best, it would be honorable," the chief said.

Even with his death, Palanchi said, Franklin was still giving by "giving the gift of life to others by donating his organs. One final heroic act."

Far Hills police Chief Mike DeCarolis told NJ Advance Media borough police responded to Route 202 at Fox Hunt Court at 12:56 p.m. on Monday on a report of a downed cyclist, but by the time officers arrived on the scene the cyclist had already been taken to the hospital by an ambulance traveling with the Police Unity Tour.

Far Hills police said a car wasn't involved in the crash. NJ Policemen's Benevolent Association president Patrick Colligan told NJ101.5 Franklin was involved in a dozen-bicycle pile-up.

Palanchi said in his statement he saw Franklin Monday at the starting line to the Police Unity Tour and talked with him for a half hour. Franklin told the chief he was excited about his retirement in North Carolina and had become an avid bike rider and was looking forward to the Police Unity Tour.

"We shook hands, wished each other well and he told me to tell all the guys to be safe as he rode away," the chief said. "A short time later he was involved in the accident."

The Police Unity Tour was started in 1997 by Florham Park Police Officer Patrick Montuore with 18 riders and has since risen to about 1,700 officers.

Pres Colligan-We mourn the loss of retired Roxbury Lt. Joseph Franklin. Pray for Joe's family, friends. @RoxburyPD pic.twitter.com/0chGaJ00xp — New Jersey State PBA (@NJSPBA) May 12, 2016

Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.