(SitNews) Sitka, Alaska - In a graduation ceremony that was modified due to the spread of COVID-19, 39 new law enforcement officers received their badges Friday, among the graduates was Benjamin Botts of the Ketchikan Police Department. The ceremony was closed to the public, but those interested were able to watch live on the Alaska State Troopers Facebook page . Class 20-02 is tied for the largest ALET graduating class since 2007. 

“Congratulations to one of the largest graduating classes of the Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “Your willingness to serve others does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your commitment to protect and serve Alaskans all over the state, I look forward to seeing the good work you do in our communities.”

Graduating recruits completed more than 1,000 hours of training over the course of 16 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 Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy graduates the finest peace officers in the country with the help of some of the best instructors and support staff in the state. The world-class training that these graduates received will prepare them to save lives, apprehend criminals, and console victims,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Amanda Price.

Price said, “Even with a global pandemic and increased scrutiny of law enforcement in much of the country these graduates remained focused on preparing for a career in selfless service to their communities. Alaska’s law enforcement family grew today, and we are thankful for their willingness to serve.”

Following graduation, the 22 Trooper recruits will continue their training at the academy for an additional two weeks. The “Trooper Basic” training includes tailored and advanced training in fish and wildlife investigations, boating safety, survival, commercial fisheries enforcement, search and rescue, and critical stress management. Recruits also participate in additional scenario-based trainings. 

Upon completion of Trooper Basic, recruits will move toward 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.

Graduates:

• Benjamin Botts, Ketchikan Police
• Katherine Barnes, Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
• Mitchell Boord, Sitka Police
• Jonathan Bouma, Copper River Native Assoc.
• Marshall Braun, Kodiak Area Native Assoc
• Dylan Brooks, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
• Taylor Burcell, Fairbanks Police
• Donovan Chappell, Kotzebue Police
• Jeremy Detterer, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
• Miguel Garcia, Alaska State Troopers
• Jonathan Gill, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
• James Halbert III, Alaska State Troopers
• Christopher Jennings, Alaska State Troopers
• Max Jusi, Haines Police
• Kyle Justus, Copper River Native Assoc.
• Cody Kasper, Alaska State Troopers
• Dylan Kutzer, Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
• Chad Larsen, Kenai Police
• David Larson, Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
• Patrick McKean, Alaska State Troopers
• Ryan McMicken, Saint Paul Police
• Derek McWeeney, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
• Timothy Miller, Alaska State Troopers
• Jeffrey Minsch, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
• Joseph Morris, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
• Derek Norris, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
• Carolyn Novakovich, Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
• Leon Osborne, Bristol Bay Police
• Joshua Palugod, Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
• Vladimir Plotnikov, Alaska State Troopers
• Christopher Rafferty, Alaska State Troopers
• Joshua Robles, Alaska State Troopers
• Nicholas Robles, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
• Jenny Rongstad, Alaska State Troopers
• Timothy Rosario, Alaska State Troopers
• Cody Royer, Alaska State Troopers
• Jorden Spieth, Alaska State Troopers
• Caleb Sullivan, Copper River Native Assoc.
• Gabrielle Vassar, Alaska State Troopers

On the Web:

Alaska State Troopers Facebook page

Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Public Safety
www.dps.alaska.gov

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