Public Safety Academy Graduates 17 New Law Enforcement Officers
Nov. 14, 2025 (Sitka, Alaska) — 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. A video recording of the graduation ceremony is available on the
Alaska State Troopers Facebook page.
"Congratulations to the Alaska's newest law enforcement officers,”
said Governor Mike Dunleavy. "Thank you for your commitment to serving and protecting Alaskans. Law enforcement is an honorable career and please know that you have my full support as you work to protect Alaskans.”
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.
“We are honored to welcome these new officers into Alaska law enforcement,” said
Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell. “They should be proud of all the hard work they put in during the rigorous training at the academy. I am confident they will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity while they serve the people of our great state.”
Graduates include:
- VPSO John Charles, Association of Village Council Presidents
- Officer Tristan Enriquez, Petersburg Police Department
- Officer Case Estle, Kodiak Police Department
- Officer Jacob Evetts, Kotzebue Police Department
- Trooper Christopher Hale, Alaska State Troopers
- Trooper Khaheel Kelly, Alaska State Troopers
- Officer Hesekaia Mausia, Juneau Police Department
- Trooper Caleb Mertens, Alaska State Troopers
- Officer Ryan Morris, Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
- Officer Luis Pacheco, Sitka Police Department
- Trooper Matthew Quick, Alaska State Troopers
- Trooper Andre Renner, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
- Trooper Lucas Ritter, Alaska Wildlife Troopers
- Officer Nathan Ruebesam, Juneau Police Department
- Officer Tanner Welch, Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
- Officer Joseph Whitney, Fairbanks Police Department
- Officer Edward Wilson, Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
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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