Sleepy Hollow Police Officers to Receive Service Awards

Two Sleepy Hollow police officers will receive awards for their work in arresting felons, and participating in drug investigations that have led to arrests.

Officers Jeffrey Muendel and Hector Rosario were both notified this month that they will be honored by the Westchester Policemen's Benevolent Association in May.

Officer Rosario is being commended for his work in gathering intelligence and working with the Westchester County Police Department. The information he gathered led to arrests in Sleepy Hollow.

"There were a number of arrests based on the information he was gathering," said Sleepy Hollow Police Chief Greg Camp.

Officer Muendel is being cited for his work apprehending Ivan Evans on December 29, 2010.

During a plain-clothes operation, Muendel was approached by Evans who offered to sell the undercover officer narcotics. After the transaction, Muendel identified himself. Evans began punching and wrestling with Muendel who finally took him into custody with assistance from Sgt. Richard D'Alessandro and officers from the Village of Tarrytown Police Department. Muendel suffered scrapes and bruises.

Evans, a repeat felony offender with a record going back to when he was 16, is allegedly a member of the Crypts street gang and is currently having his case heard by a Grand Jury in White Plains.

Muendel will receive a Class B Citation of Meritous Service while Rosario will receive the Class D Honorable Service Medal at an award ceremony held in Eastchester this May. The awards are being presented by the Westchester Policemen's Benevolent Association.

"It's well deserved," Camp said. "These guys have been putting in a lot of effort, and it led to some pretty major arrests."

Camp also noted there were many other officers in the department deserving of honors for their efforts. A village ceremony to honor those officers will take place on May 21.