Officer Valentine joins team of School Resource Officers

The Hilliard Weaver Middle School community will welcome a new school resource officer this year.

City of Hilliard Division of Police Officer Josh Valentine will take on the role at the middle school this August.

“Officer Valentine is a wonderful addition to our team of school resource officers,” said Chief of Police Michael Woods. “Building relationships with young people is an essential part of this role, and we know he’ll use those skills he honed as a patrol officer to create safe and secure learning environments.”

There are a total of six SROs working inside Hilliard City Schools. One officer is assigned at each of the three middle schools and three high schools in the district to embed themselves in the school’s culture. Officers also make regular contact at the elementary schools.

School resource officers fulfill multiple roles in addition to preventing and responding to school-based crime. Officers provide valuable support to students, teachers and staff through their everyday presence and visibility.

“We are proud of our continued partnership with the City of Hilliard Division of Police and our SROs. By having SROs present in our schools, we are enhancing security measures and fostering positive relationships that contribute to a safer environment,” said Superintendent David Stewart. “Building these connections between law enforcement and our school community is integral to our mission of creating a conducive learning space for everyone.”

Officer Valentine has served as a Hilliard police officer since 2022, primarily as night-shift patrol officer. Previously, he served as a police officer for three years in Texas. Additionally, he served four years active duty as a soldier in the U.S. Army.

He is originally from Columbus, growing up in the Hilltop area, but moved to Richland County as a teenager and graduated from Clear Fork High School.

Officer Valentine is married with four children. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching eighth grade football. In fact, his team will play Weaver this season.

“I really like to interact with people – that’s what made me want to become a police officer,” he said. “The Hilliard community is such a great community that supports its law enforcement, schools, and athletics, and I’m looking forward to having more great interactions at Weaver.”

Fun Facts About Officer Valentine

What were your high school activities? Football, wrestling, being the class clown

What were your favorite subjects? Math and science

What’s the last movie you watched? Bad Boys

Who’s your favorite music artist? Luke Combs

If you weren’t a police officer, what would be your job? Lawyer – I still may get a law degree!

What was your favorite school lunch? Bosco sticks! Do they still have those?

Have any favorite sports teams? Bengals, Buckeyes, and Reds