Commissioner Joseph Masters was raised in Unalaska, Alaska. Following his graduation from the local high school in 1982, Masters pursued a career in law enforcement that spanned more than 24 years. He began his profession as a Village Public Safety Officer in Unalakleet, Alaska. Masters took the necessary steps to become a police officer and walked a beat in both Unalakleet and Unalaska.
The majority of Masters' career in law enforcement was within the ranks of the Alaska State Troopers beginning in 1986. In 1999 he transferred to the Division of Fish and Wildlife Protection. While in FWP, he rose to the rank of Captain and was assigned as Commander of the Western Alaska Detachment. Ultimately, Masters promoted to deputy director of the Alaska State Troopers in June of 2003 and held this position until his retirement in May of 2005. He served in both rural and urban Alaska during his nearly two decade long tenure wearing the Stetson.
Shortly after retirement, Masters' began working for Doyon Universal Services. He was the Director of Security for Petrochemical Operations overseeing protective services for a majority of Alaska's national and state designated critical infrastructures.
Masters stated upon his appointment, "It is humbling for me to rejoin the many dedicated men and women that keep this state protected and give us the peace of mind to sleep at night. I have the utmost respect for all those on the front lines providing law enforcement, resource protection, fire services and scientific services, as well as those that operate behind the scenes".
Masters is also involved in numerous community organizations. He joined the Alaska Native Justice Center as a Board Member in 2005. Masters has also served on the Alaska Inter-Tribal Council, Committee on Government to Government Relations, Mat-Su Commission on Police Powers, Board of Western Community Oriented Policing, Civil Air Patrol and Alaska Rural Justice Commission. Masters is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Graduate, Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police, Alaska Peace Officers Association, American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. In Alaska, he is considered an expert in the area of law enforcement policy, procedures, training and management.
Masters currently lives in Anchorage with his wife, Michelle. Together they have three children who are now grown and out on their own.
