June 23, 2023 (Sitka, AK)— In a graduation ceremony in Sitka, 17 new law enforcement officers received
their badges. 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.
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