Aaron Hess, Frank & Joe's Named PBA Officer and Business of the Year

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

The union named Police Officer Aaron 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 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.

Listwan described the officer's injuries in statement made a few days after the shooting: "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."

In an interview with Pleasantville Patch April 12, 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.

Malachy (Mal) Costello and Robert Spitalieri, Business Persons of the Year by the Pleasantville Chamber of Commerce, were also recognized on Friday.

The co-owners of deli Frank & Joe's on Wheeler Avenue were on hand to receive the PBA award for Business of the Year, said Listwan.

"They do so much," he said. "Being open on Sundays and all, we wanted to recognize them."