Cop Who Shot Student Named 'Officer Of The Year'

The family of a college football player from Easton who was fatally shot by a police officer in New York is blasting a local police union's decision to name the shooter "Officer of the Year."

Danroy Henry, father of Pace University student D.J. Henry, says it demonstrates the arrogance his family has dealt with since the October 2010 shooting.

"They're clearly saying that they think he was right to do what he did and that they're supporting him," Henry said. "But again, that doesn't surprise us."

The Police Benevolent Association of the Pleasantville Police Department says it honored Officer Aaron Hess for his dignity and professionalism since the shooting in Thornwood.

Hess was hit by Henry's car and fired through the windshield. He was cleared of criminal wrongdoing by a Westchester County grand jury in February.

The PBA said Wednesday the award isn't meant to offend the family.

Henry says the award shows the union believes the officer was right to shoot D.J., even though a federal civil rights investigation is ongoing.

"They can take whatever position on this they want," he said. "We're much more concerned about a fact-based investigation ... and the conclusions that are drawn from that."

The U.S. Department of Justice is still investigating the shooting outside a bar where students were celebrating the football team's homecoming.

With reporting from the WBUR Newsroom and The Associated Press.