Public Safety Academy Graduates 17 New Law Enforcement Officers

In a graduation ceremony today in Sitka, Alaska, 17 new law enforcement officers received their badges after completing the rigorous Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy.

“By completing our comprehensive training program, these new officers have proven they are ready to serve and safeguard Alaska’s communities,” said Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell. “Their commitment to public safety strengthens the security and well-being of Alaskans across the state, and we are proud to welcome them into our law enforcement ranks.”

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.

Graduates include:

• Trooper Mark Babauta, Alaska State Troopers
• Trooper Calvin Barnes, Alaska State Troopers
• Officer Braxton Booze, Hoonah Police Department
• Officer Kincaid Crumley, Fairbanks Police Department
• Officer Skyler Day, Wasilla Police Department
• Officer Aidan Fields, Copper River Native Association
• Officer Akira Handy, Sitka Police Department
• Trooper Geramy Hanson, Alaska State Troopers
• Officer Nicholas Kay, Soldotna Police Department
• Trooper Paige Lenhardt, Alaska State Troopers
• Officer Tessa McKittrick, Alaska State Parks
• Trooper Christopher Morgan, Alaska State Troopers
• Officer Benito Ramirez-Torres, Homer Police Department
• Trooper Darrin Topkok, Alaska State Troopers
• Trooper Gavin Ulbirch, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
• Officer Ethan Wilkinson, Juneau Police Department
• Trooper Jarrod Yelton, Alaska Wildlife Troopers

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.

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