Press Release

Residents of the Town of Ross have established a fund to help defray the expenses for leukemia treatments for the grandson of “Officer Bob” Besgrove, the village’s legendary police officer who provides safety and security at the Ross School.

Besgrove, a Ross police officer since 1994, has assumed primary responsibility for the medical care of his two-year-old grandson, Aden.  Because of the expenses involved he has had to delay a long-planned retirement.  He also drives Aden to Kaiser Permanente in Oakland from Clear Lake for his regular treatments.

Besgrove, who gets up on Monday mornings at 4 a.m. to drive to Ross, stays with a friend in Novato during the week. “I am so fortunate to work with the Ross community and to be accepted by children and parents almost as a member of their families.  I don’t think that any officer could have a better job, to be there so that every kid is safe and has an advocate.

“I am overwhelmed by the community support for Aden,” he said.  “He’s a tough little boy and he’s trying his best to get the ‘bad bugs’ out of his blood.  Children understand a lot more than adults give them credit for.  He is very aware of what he needs to do and what the doctors are doing for him.”

In addition to the fund, Woodlands Market, 735 College Avenue in Kentfield, has pledged five percent of its gross receipts on Monday, June 8, a date which Market owner Don Santa has declared “Officer Bob Day” at his grocery store. 

“Every child, including mine, who has gone to the school in the past 15 years knows and loves Officer Bob,” said Santa.  “And every parent in our Town knows that he is a special person and how lucky we are to have him protecting our children.  The Santa Family and Woodlands Market are proud to be able to help him care for Aden.”

“Officer Bob is part of the culture of our school,” said Greg Myers, assistant principal.  “It’s truly a partnership between the school and the town.  His role and how he interacts with the families and the school is pretty cool.”

Ross police chief Jim Reis added, “We all know of Bob’s great commitment to the safety and security of all the children in Ross.  Aden is a wonderful grandchild and Bob is a great grandparent to step in.  Any contribution, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated.”

• By check made out to the Aden Robert Besgrove Fund and left with Ross Police Chief Jim Reis at Ross Town Police Headquarters (31 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.)