WINTERVILLE—Were it not for the campaign hat and grey state trooper uniform, Capt. Tim Crumpler could have easily been mistaken for a member of the East Carolina football team as he jogged through the pre-game smoke and onto the playing field alongside former Coach Skip Holtz.
Standing six-feet-five-inches tall and built like a defensive lineman, Crumpler made an excellent choice to serve as a member of Holtz’s security detail for three seasons. And there’s little doubt, eastern North Carolina drivers heeded his advice to slow down and have a nice day when they were fortunate enough to get a warning ticket.
As of Feb. 1, more than two decades after joining the N.C. State Highway Patrol, Crumpler was officially retired. His immediate goal is to spend more time with his wife and 14-year-old son.
In his final days with the Highway Patrol, the PCC Alumni Association caught up with Crumpler to find out a little more about him, his career in law enforcement, and his thoughts about the value of an education from his alma mater.
Q. Where were you born & raised?
A. Born in Washington, N.C. and raised in Blounts Creek.
Q. What was your program of study at PCC and when did you graduate?
A. “Criminal Justice Technology/1998.”
Q. Why did you choose a career in law enforcement?
A. “It was something that I always wanted to do. I wanted to have the opportunity to help people and make a difference in the community.”
Q. How long were you with the N.C. Highway Patrol?
A. “26 years.”
Q. Did you work for any other law enforcement agencies?
A. “Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.”
Q. What have your roles been with the N.C. Highway Patrol?
A. “I started out as a trooper before I was promoted to sergeant. From there, I was promoted to first sergeant, then to lieutenant, and finally captain.”
Q. How did you get to work security for Coach Holtz, and how many seasons did you do that?
A. “It was really just being in the right place at the right time. Skip and I hit it off, and I was with the team for three seasons until I got promoted to sergeant.”
Q. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and why?
A. “Always do the right things for the right reasons. If you do that, you will never be wrong.”
Q. What are some of your favorite hobbies?
A. “I enjoy duck hunting, playing golf and offshore fishing (his biggest catch, so far, is a 65-pound white marlin).”
Q. What is one thing most people wouldn’t know about you but would find interesting?
A. “I am a Past Master of Greenville Masonic Lodge #284.”
Q. In your words, what is the value of Pitt Community College to Pitt County and the region?
A. “Pitt Community College is well-respected within the community and the region for the wonderful educational opportunities provided in Pitt County. For those reasons, students from several surrounding counties travel to PCC to continue their education.”
Q. What would you tell someone who is considering going to school at PCC?
A. “I would say, you’ll never regret your time at PCC. It’s a wonderful place to learn and grow. PCC will prepare you for your place of employment and/or to continue your education at a university.”