In a graduation ceremony in Sitka, Alaska, 26 new law enforcement officers who had completed the rigorous Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy received their badges.
“I commend these new law enforcement officers who have successfully completed the rigorous Alaska Law Enforcement Academy,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “I appreciate your dedication to serving and safeguarding Alaskans throughout our great state, and for the positive impact your service will have on 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. Recruits received intensive instruction in law enforcement-related topics, use-of-force and de-escalation, physical fitness, and many scenario-based exercises designed to prepare entry-level police officers and Troopers for successful careers in Alaska law enforcement.
“Completing the world-class training at our Sitka-based academy is no easy feat, and these officers have earned the right to wear the badge that they were issued today. I welcome these new law enforcement officers to our noble profession,” said Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell. “The work that these new officers will complete will enhance the safety and security of our state – and continue to make our state a safe place to live, visit, work, and raise a family.”
Graduates include:
- Trooper Wesley Booth, Alaska State Troopers **
- Officer Luke Burkhalter, Ketchikan Police Department
- Trooper Hunter Churness, Alaska State Troopers **
- Officer Cole Connolly, Klawock Police Department
- Ranger Miriam Davenport, Alaska State Parks
- Officer Geoffrey Davis, Juneau Police Department
- Trooper Joseph Eshom, Alaska State Troopers **
- Trooper Jacob Fia’ai, Alaska State Troopers
- Ranger Ella Fitzwater, Alaska State Parks
- Ranger Kellan Ford, Alaska State Parks
- Trooper Christopher Fouts, Alaska State Troopers
- Ranger Airk Furseth, Alaska State Parks
- Trooper Tony Gregory, Alaska State Troopers **
- Ranger Timothy Gurnett, Alaska State Parks
- Officer Kaleb Harvey, Homer Police Department
- Officer Tyler Holloway, Fairbanks Police Department
- Trooper Samuel Humphreys, Alaska Wildlife Troopers **
- Officer Nathan Jackson, Fairbanks Police Department
- Trooper Christopher Kopy, Alaska State Troopers
- Trooper Ryan Maag, Alaska State Troopers **
- Trooper Peter Testa, Alaska State Troopers
- Trooper Nolan “Tyler” Thornal, Alaksa Wildlife Troopers
- Ranger Jacques Turcotte, Alaska State Parks
- Trooper Michael Whittaker, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
- Trooper Timothy Wilson, Alaska State Troopers
- Trooper Coltin Yancey, Alaska State Troopers
Trooper recruits will complete two additional weeks of training focused on wilderness survival, wildlife and fisheries investigations, and other elements of law enforcement unique to the Alaska State Troopers. They will then arrive at their first duty assignments in either Fairbanks, Soldotna or the Mat-Su Valley and begin a Field Training and Evaluation Program. 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.
A video recording of the graduation ceremony is available on the Alaska State Troopers Facebook page.