Niles Light

A Dedicated Patriot

Niles graduated from Clermont Northeastern High School in 1971. After graduating, Niles began working for the FBI as a fingerprint technician and security patrol officer while attending York College of Pennsylvania. After graduating with a degree in Police Sciences, Niles was admitted into the FBI Academy as a Special Agent Trainee.

Niles served in multiple roles during his 30-year career with the Bureau including investigating the first New York World Trade Center Bombing in 1993, the downing of TWA Flight 800, numerous violent crimes, and members of organized crime. Niles distinguished himself when he was assigned to investigate the espionage activities of other countries against the United States, including the Soviet Union. He was directly responsible for the identification of several Russian spies operating in America.

In 2001, Niles was supervising a group of FBI agents when the attack occurred on September 11th. He immediately led a team to “ground zero” to assist in rescue efforts as the towers fell. He spent weeks investigating the act of terrorism, overseeing recovery efforts, and digging through the rubble himself.

In 2004, Niles retired from the FBI after serving in several different roles related to espionage and counter-terrorism. He continued to serve as a consultant for the FBI and volunteered as a patrol deputy with his local police department after retirement.

Induction Speech August 20, 2022

We were honored to induct two alumni, Niles Light and Sharon Titus Averwater into the Clermont Northeastern Distinguished Alumnus Hall of Fame. Those who nominated Niles and Sharon described them best, so we would like to share some of their comments and stories in their own words.

Within a week of graduation, Class of 71 graduate, Niles Light, joined the FBI and started working in the Fingerprint Section. He met his wife, Darlene while at the FBI and following their marriage left to work for a police department in Pennsylvania. However, he missed the FBI, so he returned, working security patrols at night while obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Police Sciences from the York College of Pennsylvania. In 1984 he started training as a Special Agent and upon graduation was assigned to an FBI Office in Illinois. During this time, he worked on several notable cases, including the apprehension of a fugitive on Kentucky’s top ten most wanted list.

Four years later Niles was transferred to New York City where he was assigned to investigate espionage activities. He was promoted while there and worked as a United Nations liaison. During this assignment, the first World Trade Center bombing took place. There he led a team from the FBI, as well as a special operations team from the NYPD to investigate. During this investigation, Niles volunteered to be lowered 3- stories by rope into the crater to retrieve a piece of the van used in the bombing. This piece of evidence led to the arrests, and convictions of four bombmakers.

Years later, Niles was still working in New York City on September 11th. Working just six blocks away from the World Trade Center, Niles assisted in evacuating the Federal Building then rushed his team of agents to ground zero to assist in rescue right before the first tower came down.

Throughout his career, Niles received numerous awards and recognition for his service to the country, including a Certificate of Bravery from the FBI Director following 9/11. He finished his FBI career, sharing his extensive knowledge, teaching at the FBI Academy, where he retired in 2004.

Niles, along with his sister, Terry Light Palmer, Class of 78 joined us at the August 20th All-Alumni Celebration.

Niles, thank you for your service and dedication to our country.