In a graduation ceremony in Sitka, 17 new law enforcement officers received their badges on Friday June 23rd. The ceremony was closed to the public, but anyone who is interested can watch a video recording on the Alaska State Troopers Facebook page.
“Congratulations to these latest law enforcement officers, who just graduated from the Alaska Law Enforcement Academy,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “Thank you so much for your commitment to serve and protect Alaskans across the state, and for the positive difference your service will make to future generations of Alaskans.”
Graduating recruits completed more than 1,000 hours of training over the course of 17 weeks of basic Alaska Law Enforcement Training. Schooling included intensive instruction in law enforcement-related topics, physical fitness, and many scenario-based exercises designed to prepare entry-level police officers and Troopers for successful careers in Alaska law enforcement.
“The addition of these highly trained officers will make Alaska a safer place for everyone.” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell. “The Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy’s world-class training will serve Alaska’s newest officers well, as they progress through field training and throughout their careers, ensuring public safety across our great state.”
Graduates include:
Robert Campione – Alaska State Troopers
John Chipps – Alaska State Troopers
Joseph Estrada – Alaska State Troopers
Ciara Heavrin – Alaska State Troopers
William Hicks III – Juneau Police Department
Samuel Jenkins – Ketchikan Police Department
Looren McDonald – Alaska Wildlife Troopers
Bradford Miller – Alaska State Troopers
Nicholas Noland – Ketchikan Police Department
Kelbey Oakes – Alaska State Troopers
John Reid – Alaska Wildlife Troopers
Jacob Spencer – UA/Fairbanks Police Department
Jeremiah Spittler – Valdez Police Department
Jeffrey Valerio – Kodiak Police Department
Gabriel Holmann – Alaska State Troopers**
Nathan Lewis – Alaska State Troopers**
Andrew Valcourt – Alaska State Troopers**
Trooper recruits will soon begin their first duty assignments in either Fairbanks, Soldotna, or the Mat-Su Valley, and begin a 12-week Field Training and Evaluation Program. All Trooper recruits are expected to develop to the point of being able to perform all law enforcement functions independently. If successful, the Trooper recruits will be promoted to the rank of Trooper upon completion of their probationary period, generally 12 months from the start of the academy.
**Lateral recruits attended an abbreviated eight-week academy.
