In a ceremony held May 23 in Sitka, 36 new law enforcement officers officially joined the ranks of Alaska’s public safety professionals, marking the completion of the Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy’s 17-week program. It was one of the largest graduating classes, just three short of the record of 39.
Graduates from the class represent agencies from across the state, including the Alaska State Troopers, Wildlife Troopers, municipal police departments, and Village Public Safety Officer programs.
“These new officers represent the future of law enforcement in Alaska,” said Gov. Mike Dunleavy. “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.”
Over the course of more than 1,000 hours of training, recruits received instruction in topics ranging from use-of-force and de-escalation to physical fitness and complex scenario-based exercises tailored to the unique challenges of policing in Alaska.
“We are proud to welcome these new officers to our law enforcement family,” said Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell. “This rigorous training program has prepared them to protect and serve Alaskans. We are grateful for their bravery and dedication to our communities.”
Graduating Officers and Their Agencies:
- Alaska State Troopers: Tyler Anderson, Abigail Danaher, Jess Evans, Levi Farrelly, Andrew Fishe, Noah Gandy, Nathan Marble, Wyatt Miller, Brycen Mitten, Christopher Morland, Riley Moss, Edward Owens, Stevan Smith, Jonah Strauel, Colten Taratko, Ethan Wynecoop
- Alaska Wildlife Troopers: Schuyler Deeney, Elizabeth Jaeschke, Cody Johnson, Hunter Shay
- Anchorage Airport Police & Fire: Skyler Borane, Leonardus Castro, Nicolas Herron-Webb
- Juneau Police Department: Steven Johnston, Joshua Shrader, Tristan Taber, Justin Viehweg
- VPSO Programs: Alexa House-Hoffman (Kodiak Area Native Association), Ryan Lane (Northwest Arctic Borough), Dakota Strong (Tlingit & Haida), Manmeet Teja (Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association)
- Kenai Police Department: Lucas Michael
- Soldotna Police Department: Cajewl Musgrave
- North Slope Borough Police Department: Michael Reahl
- Craig Police Department: Dylan Vanstralen
- Other Departments: Axel McCrumb (Juneau PD)
Trooper recruits will now complete an additional week of department-specific training with the Department of Public Safety. After that, they will report to duty stations in Fairbanks, Soldotna, or the Mat-Su Valley to begin the Field Training and Evaluation Program. Those who complete the program and their probationary period, typically one year from the start of the academy, will be promoted to the rank of Trooper.
