STATEMENT OF MATTHEW LISTWAN, PRESIDENT OF THE POLICE

BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF PLEASANTVILLE, NEW YORK, INC. IN

SUPPORT OF OFFICER AARON HESS

In the early morning hours of October 17, 2010, Pleasantville Police Officer Aaron Hess

responded to a call of a "dispute" at Finnegan's Pub in Thornwood. Upon arrival, Officer Hess

assisted Mt. Pleasant police officers who were dealing with the aftermath of that bar incident in

the parking area at the Thornwood Shopping Center. At that time, the operator of one vehicle

now identified as Danroy Henry ignored instructions from a Mt. Pleasant police officer to stop

and instead drove forward toward Officer Hess who was in the path of the vehicle. Officer Hess

raised his hand signaling the vehicle to stop, fully expecting the driver to comply. Inexplicably,

the driver did not comply and two officers were struck by the vehicle. Officer Hess was thrown

onto the hood of the vehicle. The operator continued to ignore verbal commands to stop, the

vehicle continued forward with Officer Hess clinging to the hood of the vehicle. Fearing for his

life and that of others, Officer Hess fired his weapon to stop the threat that was presented by the

vehicle and the actions of the driver. Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Ronald Beckley also fired his

weapon at the scene. The vehicle struck two police vehicles. Officer Hess was thrown to the

ground.

Officer Hess was seriously injured as a result of being hit by the vehicle and he

underwent a 4 % hour surgery to repair his knee and was admitted to the hospital for further care.

He faces possible further surgeries to the knee.

Officer Hess has been and is an outstanding police officer, with whom all members of the

Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association are proud to serve.

 Officer Aaron Hess is a lifelong resident of this community and he graduated from

Pleasantville High School where he was Captain of his High School football and basketball

teams.

Officer Aaron Hess is an honorably discharged and highly decorated member of the

United States Marine Corp. who served his Country for four years (1996-2000) including service

during Operation Desert Fox. He was the recipient of meritorious service citations and was a

Crew Chief of a Marine Amphibious Assault Unit.

Upon completion of his military service, Officer Hess returned home and began his

service with the New York City Police Department in 2000 where he served with distinction and

received commendations for meritorious police duty and excellent police service. In 2003,

Officer Hess returned home to the Village of Pleasantville and he joined the Police Department

as a police officer. He has served as a K-9 Officer with the Department since 2005 and has been

the recipient of two excellent police duty awards.

Officer Hess and K-9 Rox have participated in numerous community events and

programs at the Bedford Road School and the Pleasantville Middle School.

Officer Hess has never been the subject of excessive force complaints with either the

City of New York or Village of Pleasantville. Officer Hess has never been disciplined for

misconduct with either the City of New York or Village of Pleasantville. Officer Hess has never

before been forced to use his firearm in the line of duty.

Officer Hess acted in accordance with his training and as required under the

circumstances with which he was confronted.

The members of the Villsge of Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association stand firmly

behind Officer Hess and remain confident that upon a full, fair and complete investigation of the
incident of October 17,2010, it will be shown that Officer Hess acted lawfully and appropriately

in all respects.

On behalf of Officer Hess and the members of the Village of Pleasantville Police

Benevolent Association, we thank the community for the continuing expressions of support for

Officer Hess, his family and the other officers involved in what we all agree is a tragedy on

many levels for all involved. Officer Hess and the Village of Pleasantville Police Benevolent

Association ask that anyone having information or witnessing the events of October 17, 2010

contact the Westchester County District Attorney's Office or the New York State Police,

Lieutenant James Murphy at (914) 742-2600.

The Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association is a member organization of the New

York State Union of Police Associations, Inc., 263 Route 17K, Suite 1004, Newburgh, New

York. Officer Hess is being represented by Attorney John K. Grant, 3 Main Street, Suite One,

Nyack, New York. Telephone inquiries should be addressed to Mr. Grant at (914) 260-9800 or

(845) 566-5526.