January 9th is recognized as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Around the nation, law enforcement is being celebrated for their commitment to keeping the public safe and upholding the law.

January 9th is widely celebrated as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and was first celebrated in 2015 as a way to recognize and understand the duties and responsibilities of officers and agencies.

Some department agencies in Alaska include local police officers, Alaska State Troopers, park rangers, Village Public Safety Officers or VPSOs, and correctional officers.

Governor Mike Dunleavy’s administration noted in a press release the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect families and communities. “The mission of law enforcement requires officers to have the ability to act courageously and quickly, to make the right decisions under pressure from imminent threats, to run toward danger instead of away, and to act with empathy and compassion by serving others in their greatest time of need.”

Alaskan officers work in “some of the most challenging environments in the world” and noted Alaska’s unique and sometimes harsh environments.

Captain Eric Spitzer with the Alaska State Troopers “D” Detachment in Fairbanks also commented on Alaska’s climate. “Being a Law Enforcement Officer in the Interior of Alaska is absolutely the greatest show on earth, and we got front-row seats to it,” he said. “It’s absolutely, super-fulfilling. You never know what you are going to get.”

Spitzer said his experience on the job is that every day is different.

He wanted to thank the community for the continued support, not only from locals but from other law enforcement agencies.

“Working with all the other agencies in Interior Alaska is amazing,” he said. “None of us can get along without the others. You need everyone else’s help, and for that reason, information sharing is absolutely critical, and we do a lot of it here.” Spitzer says it is integral that agencies share information so everyone is on the same page with what is going on within the community. “A lot of collaboration and cooperation within Interior agencies.”

When it comes to the community, Spitzer said wherever he goes, there are always those that take the time to thank him for his service. “It is wonderful to be in such a giving and generous community here,” he explained.

He said a good way for the public to help them is to document their valuables. He said there have been many instances where items have been reported stolen or missing and with proper documentation, you can better help the troopers track down missing goods. “Take pictures of your stuff,” he said. “Know your vehicle identification numbers.” He also added, if you don’t have a security system at your house, you should consider getting one. “One of the best ways to help us solve crimes that are occurring is to have good leads.”

He said a good way for the public to help law enforcement is to document their valuables. There have been many instances where items have been reported stolen or missing and with proper documentation, this will help the troopers track down your missing goods. “Take pictures of your stuff,” he said. “Know your vehicle identification numbers.” He also added, if you don’t have a security system at your house, you should consider getting one. “One of the best ways to help us solve crimes that are occurring is to have good leads.”

Spitzer said he has never seen a community so supportive of itself, and of law enforcement.

He encourages anyone who is interested in a law enforcement career to“ absolutely apply to be an Alaska State Trooper,” Spitzer said encouragingly.

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