Former captain stays active in community

“We set policies and make sure the kids have what they need,” he said. “It’s for kids who can’t learn in a typical learning environment.”

Hess has been married to Patti for 31 years. The couple has two children, daughter Casey, 25, and son Brad, 23.

Hess said one of his best memories was the way the community and the police department came together to honor

Cpl. (Paul) “Rocky” Zanowick II, a local Marine corporal killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011.

“One of the highlights of my career was the honor to be part of the services for Cpl. (Paul) “Rocky” Zanowick, and the community as they turned out to pay their respects. I saw the pride of our community and the pride of our agency.”

Favorite memory of your hometown: “My work at the police department allowed me to do a lot of things. I was a volunteer coach with the softball team for 10 years at the high school.”

How person got involved in the police work: “I went to Wayne High School in Huber Heights. My dad rented a house in Wayne Twp. and the renter was a police officer. I got to know him real well. I started as a biology major at UD and switched to criminal justice.”

What actions he performed: “I did a little bit of everything; I started as patrolman and became an evidence technician. I was a range officer and did a lot of firearms training. I also trained to be an arson investigator, a detective, and was promoted to captain in 2004. I was a captain until I retired.”

Most satisfying part about the person’s work: “It’s helping people and meeting people. A majority of the people I deal with are the criminals; 95 percent of the time I deal with 5 percent of the population. Most of our contact is because of a tragedy of some type. Out of these tragedies you meet people and you see how strong they are.”

Most memorable moment of service: “I love dealing with the kids. I get to know them and their parents. You get to know them as more than a softball player. I stay in touch with a lot of my former players. My kids always make fun of me that no matter where I go I know somebody.”