Jamie Pastorello has been thanked by the governor and members of congress, featured on national network news, and honored repeatedly for his work as an officer in the Syracuse Police Department. He has saved lives with his actions and has been a prime example of the positive impact a compassionate police officer can have in their community. 

And while he might be a model police officer now, he wasn’t always a model student.

“I got what I like to call a four-year two-year degree,” he likes to say. “Early on I wasn’t a good student because I didn’t take college seriously.” But fortunately for him at the time, and the public he serves now, his professors weren’t ready to give up on him. Specifically, Professor Scott Ochs, who was the chair of the criminal justice program and his advisor. While Professor Ochs has retired, his impact on Pastorello is an important reminder of the influence our faculty can have on our students.  

   With his support, I went from failing out more than once, to graduating on the Dean’s List.  I hope this reminds current students who are experiencing similar hardships that they can always turn around their education.

Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland? 
I chose to attend TC3 because I went to Dryden High School and grew up in McLean.  I always enjoyed the area and wanted to stay close to home.  Also, with my mom (retired Professor Karen Pastorello) having worked there for as long as she did, I grew up spending a lot of time at TC3 during my childhood and always looked forward to being there.

How did your college experience at Tompkins Cortland prepare you for what came next? 

My time at TC3 helped prepare me for a career in law enforcement. While in the criminal justice classes, I fully realized that I did, in fact, want to be a police officer. (Retired Professors) Scott Ochs and Kathy McDonough were exceptional educators who truly influenced me, as well as countless others, to pursue careers in criminal justice. They helped prepare me for my future, first in the Criminology program at Cortland State, and then ultimately being hired by the Syracuse City Police Department.  

Early on I wasn’t a good student because I didn’t take college seriously.  Despite this, Scott always remained in my corner, reminding me I was perfectly capable and all I needed to do was put my mind to it and focus.  

What has been career journey since leaving TC3? 
After graduating from TC3 I attended Cortland State.  While at Cortland I was fortunate enough to get an internship with the Syracuse City Police Department.  I was able to do a number of ride-alongs on the front lines where I realized I absolutely wanted to be a city cop.

What are some of your favorite memories from TC3?
My favorite memories at TC3 would be attending criminal justice classes because I truly enjoyed them and looked forward to learning more about the field.  TC3 really laid the groundwork for my success and I am a proud alum.  

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be? What would you tell current students?
If I could give my younger self advice about attending TC3 it would be the importance of regularly attending class.  My advice for students starting at TC3 would be to be aware of the significance of obtaining an associate degree, because your options are so plentiful once you do so.  In my opinion it really is an essential step in getting a career you want, where you can enjoy going to work because you love what you do.