Not long ago, NYPD Officer Jason Rivera was a member of the New York City basketball community – impacting his high school and its team. 

It was just five years ago that Rivera was a senior at Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School. He was also a four-year member of the school’s basketball program.

After playing two years on the junior varsity team, Rivera realized it would be difficult to find playing time on the varsity. Wanting to remain part of the program, he became the student manager for Josh Krinsky’s team – traits that helped Jason follow his dream of becoming a police officer. 

His leadership was evident when he took part in a peer mentoring program. 

Coach Krinsky tells News 12 that in the spring after things have settled, the school would like to dedicate the gym in honor of Officer Jason Rivera. 

This is all for his love of basketball, saying he spent as much time in the gym as any player.