Governor Mike Dunleavy and DPS Commissioner Jim Cockrell announced leadership changes in the Department of Public Safety. AST Trooper Colonel Bryan Barlow was promoted to Deputy Commissioner for the Department, and Captain Maurice Hughes has been promoted to Colonel of the Alaska State Troopers. Additionally, Deputy Commissioner Leon Morgan announced his retirement from state service after over 25 years of distinguished law enforcement service in Alaska. Both promotions are for individuals who have history on the Kenai Peninsula.
In addition to working in Anchorage, Kodiak, and Delta Junction, Colonel Hughes spent years in Soldotna. He also the first African American to serve as Colonel of the Alaska State Troopers or above the rank of Captain.
He said at a Wednesday press conference:
“I’ve invited all of the commanders here today. These guys, when I was a commander, I worked with on a regular basis. We shared information. We share resources. We share whatever we can to get the job done. These guys have been an important part for me as a commander for the last six years and I look forward to them in the future to assist me as I step into this new role. I’d also like to thank all of the Alaska State Troopers that are working every day, our port service officers for the difficult job that they do day-to-day and not to mention the clerical staff that supports all of us, which we couldn’t get anything done if it wasn’t for our clerical staff.”
Senate President Peter Micciche said:
“I congratulate Captain Maurice Hughes on his promotion to the rank of Colonel. Colonel Hughes has served the Peninsula as commander of our local Trooper Detachment E in Soldotna for many years. I have worked with the Colonel through many tough issues over the years ranging from natural disasters to violent crimes and on many constituent issues. He is the consummate Trooper, always willing to respectfully engage and inspiring to those following in his footsteps. I am proud of Colonel Hughes’ promotion to the Colonel of the AST and congratulate the Governor for the wise choice. I’m fully confident of Colonel Hughes’ abilities to continuously improve the AST organization and therefore, public safety service for Alaskans.”
Deputy Commissioner Barlow has patrolled in Ninilchik, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, the villages of Interior Alaska, and Girdwood, and he said on Wednesday:
“I’ve been really appreciative of the opportunity to serve in this role, and I appreciate the commissioner’s confidence in me in taking on the role of a Deputy Commissioner. I’ll do my very best, my level best as I always have, and I know that I’ll be surrounded by just tons of support. This is a team effort at DPS. There’s no one person that accomplishes anything around here and I’m acutely aware of that.”
The appointments are effective September 1, 2022.
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