Alaska Department of Public Safety Public Information Office

November 15, 2024 (Sitka, AK)— In a graduation ceremony today in Sitka, Alaska, 34 new law enforcement officers received their badges after completing the rigorous Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy. A video recording of the graduation ceremony is available on the Alaska State Troopers Facebook page.

"These new officers represent the future of law enforcement in Alaska," said Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom. "I am confident that they will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and I wish them all the best as they embark on their careers."

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.

"Having successfully completed our rigorous training program, these new officers are now prepared to serve and protect our communities,” said Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell. “Their dedication to public safety will undoubtedly enhance the security and well-being of all Alaskans. We are proud to welcome them to the law enforcement family.”

Graduates include:

• Trooper Kyler Anderson, Alaska State Troopers

• Officer Jorell Anievas, Anchorage Airport Police and Fire

• Trooper Adam Belliston, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper Anthony Bigari, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper Nicholas Blanchard, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper Tyler Bosdell, Alaska Wildlife Troopers

• Trooper William Brennan, Alaska State Troopers

• Officer Kristoffer Cunanan, Kodiak Police Department

• Trooper Evan Davis, Alaska State Troopers**

• Officer Jacob Davis, Anchorage Airport Police and Fire

• Trooper Julien Dreher, Alaska State Troopers

• Officer Gavyn Gentry, Anchorage Airport Police and Fire

• Trooper Georgia Gonzalez-Sudberry, Alaska Wildlife Troopers

• Officer Marek Grieme, Soldotna Police Department

• Trooper Wyatt Huston, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper Mitchell Keith, Alaska State Troopers

• Officer Jacob Lewis, Anchorage Airport Police and Fire

• Trooper Kenan Lousch, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper Angelina Martin, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper John Maynard, Alaska State Troopers**

• Trooper Charlotte McNally, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper Jeremy Medina, Alaska State Troopers

• Officer Juliana Osgood, North Slope Borough Police Department

• Trooper Micah Pletsch, Alaska Wildlife Troopers

• Deputy Fire Marshal Michael Radgosky, State Fire Marshal’s Office

• Trooper Carlos Rivas, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper Sumitr “Donny” Saetan, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper John Simoneau, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper Caleb Smith, Alaska State Troopers

• VPSO Devin Spears, Copper River Native Association

• Trooper Jacob Stillie, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper John Van Diest, Alaska State Troopers

• Trooper Klay Weeks, Alaska Wildlife Troopers

• Officer Cody Woods, Juneau Police Department

Trooper recruits will complete one additional week of training focused on Department of Public Safety specific tasks, 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.
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October 1, 2024 (Anchorage, AK) – As the autumn chill settles in, fire safety is a paramount concern for Alaskans. Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a proclamation to recognize October as Fire Prevention month in Alaska. And as October 6 – 12 is Fire Prevention Week, the Division of Fire and Life Safety is emphasizing the critical role smoke detectors play in safeguarding lives and property. Smoke detectors are a simple yet effective tool that can provide early warnings of fire, allowing families to evacuate quickly and safely.
 
Lloyd Nakano, Alaska State Fire Marshal, emphasizes the importance of smoke detectors in every home: “Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against fire. They provide the precious seconds needed to escape safely. I urge all Alaskans to ensure their smoke detectors are in working order and to test them regularly. Together, we can make our communities safer.”
 
In Alaska there have been 21 fire related deaths to date in 2024. For full civilian fire fatality statistics, visit DPS Division of Fire & Life Safety.
 
Let’s make this week and all of October a month of awareness and action. Ensure your smoke detectors are working and join us in promoting fire safety throughout Alaska.

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August 22, 2024 (FAIRBANKS, AK) – Last week, multiple law enforcement agencies from around Alaska conducted a joint-operation to disrupt drug trafficking and associated criminal activity in the Fairbanks and North Pole area. The two-day effort took place from August 14-15, and more than a dozen local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies were involved in the effort.

“Your Alaska State Troopers are committed to working tirelessly to keep harmful drugs off of our streets, and making Alaska a safer place to live, work, visit, and raise a family,” said Colonel Maurice Hughes, Director of the Alaska State Troopers.  “With the support of our local, state and federal partners we will continue to conduct operations like these and hold those that deal death in our state accountable for their actions.”

A total of 32 arrests were made, including 23 warrant arrests. Officers also conducted 105 traffic stops and contacted over 204 people in connection with this effort.

This joint crime and drug trafficking suppression operations was a joint effort consisting of more than 40 sworn law enforcement officers from a dozen local, state and federal agencies including the Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks Police Department, North Pole Police Department, UAF Police Department, Fairbanks Airport Police Department, Anchorage Police Department, North Slope Borough Police Department, Alaska Department of Corrections, the US Marshals, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Wasilla Police Department, and the Alaska State Park Rangers.

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