The Herkimer Central School District Spotlight showcases student, graduate and staff member successes.
Capt. Jeff Crim, and Officers Jason Valent, Robert Holt, Vito Carbone and James Burns, are all Herkimer alumni who serve with the Herkimer Police Department.
Capt. Jeff Crim
What year did you graduate from Herkimer?
1989
What’s your favorite high school memory?
Time well spent with friends.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
I attended Herkimer County Community College and then SUNY Brockport for criminal justice. I began my career working at the Herkimer County Sheriff’s Office for five years, and then joined the Herkimer Police Department in 1997.
Did anyone from Herkimer Central School District influence you in becoming who you are today?
All of the faculty impacts you one way or the other. All fond memories of the staff, especially the ones who told me I don’t know everything — turns out they were right.
What advice do you have for current Herkimer High School students?
Slow down and enjoy every moment as they happen, because life flies by if you don’t. And, just be yourself all of the time.
Officer Jason Valent
What year did you graduate from Herkimer?
1997
What’s your favorite high school memory?
The friends that I made while in high school, along with a lot of fun memories.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
- Herkimer County Community College, 1997-1999
- Herkimer County Sheriff’s Department, 2000-present
- Herkimer Police Department, 2004-present
Did anyone from Herkimer Central School District influence you in becoming who you are today?
All of the staff at the school has their own unique advice for life.
What advice do you have for current Herkimer High School students?
You can achieve anything you put your mind to.
Officer Robert Holt
What year did you graduate from Herkimer?
2012
What’s your favorite high school memory?
I can’t recall a single memory that stands out more than the rest. Some of my most memorable times were spent playing high school sports with my friends.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
I attended Mohawk Valley Community College for three semesters before being hired by the Village of Herkimer Police Department.
Did anyone from Herkimer Central School District influence you in becoming who you are today?
I think that all the teachers I was able to attend class with played a role in me becoming who I am today. A few teachers whose lessons stuck with me were Coach Valasek, Coach Zaleski, Mr. Watkins and Mr. Brown. These teachers pushed me to work harder in school and during after-school activities.
What advice do you have for current Herkimer High School students?
Not to take any opportunity give to you for granted, and to work hard at everything you do.
Officer Vito Carbone
What year did you graduate from Herkimer?
2010
What’s your favorite high school memory?
All the activities the school puts together for your senior year are some of my favorite memories.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
After graduating Herkimer High School, I attended Herkimer County Community College, where I received an associate degree in criminal justice. I am currently a police officer with the Herkimer Village Police Department.
Did anyone from Herkimer Central School District influence you in becoming who you are today?
I think all the staff and teachers throughout my years at Herkimer Central School have played a role in influencing who I have become today.
What advice do you have for current Herkimer High School students?
Stay in school, work hard and don’t stop trying to reach your goals.
Officer James Burns
What year did you graduate from Herkimer?
2007
What’s your favorite high school memory?
Earning Class C Division I Player of the Year in basketball in 2007, and being named WKTV Player of the Week in basketball.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
- College basketball at Onondaga Community College
- Graduate of Mohawk Valley Community College degree in psychology
- House of the Good Shepherd (2010-2011)
- Neighborhood Center (2011-2012)
- Kids Oneida (2012-2015)
- Herkimer PD (2015-present)
Did anyone from Herkimer Central School District influence you in becoming who you are today?
Kevin Thomas and Rich Schoff
What advice do you have for current Herkimer High School students?
Don’t let anyone say you can’t. Be a leader, not a follower.