Promotion:
Lieutenant Michael Zweifel (Session #280) was promoted to Captain with the Alaska State Troopers on April 3rd, 2023. Captain Zweifel started with the Alaska State Trooper in 2003 and has served in Palmer, Seward, Girdwood, and Soldotna. Michael will take over as the commander of A Detachment, where he has been the acting commander and Deputy Commander. Michael holds an Advanced Police Certificate with the Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC), is an APSC Certified Instructor, and is the SERT Statewide Coordinator. He holds an Associate of Science degree. Michael thanked his wife of 32 years for her steadfast support and the outstanding mentors who have helped him along the way. In his off time, Michael enjoys meeting up with his four adult children and two grandchildren, who are spread out across the country. He can also be found cruising the highways of Alaska in his motorhome or floating on the Kenai River. Congratulations, and all the best in your new position.
Retirement:
Lieutenant Freddie Wells (Session #280) is retiring on July 1, 2023, with 25 years of service as an Alaska State Troop. Freddie started in February of 1998 and has served at “D” Detachment, Fairbanks Post, where he served in Patrol, as a Field Training Officer (FTO), and as a member of the Multiagency Traffic and Accident Enforcement Team. In 2000, he transferred to “B” Detachment, Glennallen Post, where he worked patrol. In 2003, he was promoted to Sergeant in “D” Detachment, where he served as the supervisor of Tok and Northway Posts. In 2004, he was appointed as the First Line Officer with the Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC), where he served for five years. In 2017, he transferred to “B” Detachment, where he was selected to serve as supervisor of Palmer Judicial Services. In January 2020, he was promoted to Lieutenant as the Deputy Commander of “B” Detachment. In July 2020, he transferred to Headquarters to serve as the Lieutenant in the DPS Recruitment Unit. Freddie is a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) Supervisor, Field Training Officer (FTO), and Tactical First Aid Instructor. He is a graduate of the Administrative Officers Course at the Southern Police Institute, session 114; he possesses an Advanced Certificate with the Alaska Police Standards Council, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice / Strategic Intelligence from Liberty University, and attended the 280th session of the National Academy. Prior to his law enforcement career, Freddie served in the United States Army from May 1988 to November 1997. During his tenure in the United States Army, he was deployed to Iraq in Operation Desert Shield / Operation Desert Storm and served as a combat medic with the 82nd Airborne Division. Congratulations on your retirement, and best wishes in your new endeavors.
