Aaron Hess Named Officer of the Year by Pleasantville, NY Police Union

Pleasantville NY's Police Benevolent Association (PBA) helds its annual awards ceremony on Friday, said President Matthew Listwan.

The union named Police Officer Aaaron Hess as Officer of the Year.

Hess has been recovering from knee injuries sustained as a result of the events taking place on the morning of Oct. 17, 2010, when football player and graduate Danroy "DJ" Henry was shot to death outside of the Town Center at Thornwood.

Hess, who was identified as one of the officers who fired shots at Henry, was hurt when struck by a vehicle driven by the 20-year-old.

According to a statement Listwan released to Patch on Oct. 22, 2010, "Officer Hess was seriously injured as a result of being hit by the vehicle and he underwent a 4 ½ hour surgery to repair his knee and was admited to the hospital for further care."

Listwan said the PBA's 20 or so members voted to honor Hess to "recognize all he went through and for his hard work."

"He was very thankful and very touched by the award," he said. "It was almost like a wedding for him, with all of the [officers] thanking him."

Listwan said Hess is "still healing" from his injuries, but is expected to return to work in the near future.