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70-627: Unlike other Alaska police agencies except the Alaska State Troopers , APD is large enough that it is able to be the only municipal police agency that operates its own internal police academy, which is accredited by the Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC), the Alaska state law enforcement officer credentialing and regulatory agency. Applicants are also accepted as entry-level officers who have graduated from

140-583: A boom period in Anchorage. Anchorage had gone from having one school, to having to hold classes in World War II -surplus Quonset huts , in less than a decade due to the rapid population influx to Anchorage, which was centered upon WWII, the Cold War and related construction activity at Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson . The Anchorage Independent School District (AISD), which consolidated

210-551: A Remington 870 shotgun and many officers are also authorized to carry a semi-auto patrol rifle chambered in 5.56mm. Patrol officers are issued pepper spray, and straight stick baton. Axon Taser X2's are carried by some officers on all shifts and the department has made it a priority to acquire and issue tasers to all patrol officers. Beginning in 2011, the department began a transition to a digital trunked radio system from its old UHF analog system. This new system will allow APD officers to communicate directly with other officers across

280-687: A historic role in national security. AST and ABI in particular, assist the DEA , US Department of Homeland Security , FBI and the BATFE and other federal and military agencies in protecting the US from terrorist activity. ABI assisted the FBI in 2009 in a high-profile preemptive terrorism investigation that resulted in the arrest of a man and woman who were radical Islamist converts and who were planning terrorist attacks from King Salmon, AK. Trooper aircraft historically kept

350-678: A large joint US Army-Air Force Base (Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson) in its boundaries, APD works closely with the US Army and Air Force military police, Security Police, Defense Dept Police and the criminal investigation agencies, Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the US Army and Office of Special Investigations (OSI) of the Air Force. The US Coast Guard also patrols waterways in the city limits which are popular with boaters. The US Forest Service law enforcement division also patrols USFS lands that abut Anchorage. The department's current chief

420-618: A long way since those early Territorial years" and then states that, nevertheless, "the men and women of the Anchorage Police Department are proud of their heritage and remain dedicated to protect and serve their community." Officers are issued either the Glock 21 or Glock 22 depending on grip size or officer's preference. APD officers are allowed to qualify and carry personally purchased firearms to include 1911's, Sigs, Springfield XDm and S&W M&P. Officers are issued

490-539: A peace officer, such as Kevlar bullet resistant body armor, TASER electronic control weapon, pepper spray, and baton. The VPSO 9-week basic training course at the DPS Academy mirrors several aspects of the ALET program except that VPSOs do not receive basic emergency vehicle operation course (EVOC). If a VPSO should later opt to join a police department after completion of VPSO training, they would not be required to attend

560-1106: A population of approximately 275,000 in a service area encompassing 159 square miles (410 km), most of the populated portions of the municipality's 1,961.1 square miles (5,079 km). The main exceptions are the Turnagain Arm communities of (from north to south) Rainbow, Indian, Bird, Girdwood, and portage. There are several specialized units including Canine, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Homicide Response Team, Hostage Negotiations Team, Bomb Team, School Resource Officer (SRO), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), Identification Section, Data System Section, Records Section, Traffic and Crime Prevention Unit. APD's Homicide Response Team has been nationally recognized for their techniques and solvability rate. APD operates high-profile undercover and sting-type counter-vice operations throughout Anchorage to suppress and deter vice, narcotics, prostitution, organized crime and quality of life crimes. The department works closely with Alaska DOT Airport Police at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport ,

630-516: A salary of $ 200 a month. He was a one-man police department until his death just six weeks later. He was shot and killed with his own gun on February 20, 1921. Sturgus's murderer was never apprehended. The city council voted to offer a $ 1,000 reward, the mayor pledged an additional $ 250, and all other council members and clerk pledged $ 100 each, bringing the total reward to $ 1,950. His death was to be APD's first unsolved homicide. Many men served as chief during Anchorage's violent territorial years. In 1926,

700-574: A staple of the Fur Rendezvous Festival from the mid 1950s through the early 1960s. The wrestling card on February 20, 1959, an impromptu event stemming from a televised angle earlier in the week and which saw Szabó and Count Billy Varga defeat Lord James Blears and Mr. Moto, drew the largest indoor paid attendance of any event in Alaska's history to that point. From 1977 to 1982, the West Anchorage High gymnasium

770-859: A two cycles, one in the spring, and one in the fall. Each class is given an "ALET" designation, meaning Alaska Law Enforcement Training. The Academy is 16 weeks long, and has a two week extension for troopers who are being hired into the Division of Alaska State Troopers or Wildlife Troopers. These two weeks focus on survival training and preparation for many of Alaska's environmental hazards. Classes include lessons on firearms, non-lethal weaponry, emergency vehicle operation courses (EVOC), and general classroom lessons on things such as laws, court cases, and officer safety. Officers must also go through physical training and be physically competent. The Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC) and Alaska Department of Public Safety (ADPS) have certain requirements for peace officers in

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840-473: A used Ford for $ 63.75. It wasn't until April 1941 that the council voted to purchase the department's first new police car—a 1941 Dodge 4-door sedan, completely equipped with siren and spotlight, for $ 1,401.80. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the military began building bases and the population of Anchorage began to grow, jumping from 4,229 in 1939 to 30,060 in 1950. In 1975, the City of Anchorage merged with

910-629: A watchful eye for intrusions into US airspace by Soviet aircraft during the Cold War. As a state entity, AST pilots and aviation assets continue to watch over Alaskan airspace to date in conjunction with the Alaska Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), in providing protection from threats to national security as it assists the US Coast Guard, US Air Force and US Army air operations as requested. The Bureau of Highway Patrol (ABHP)

980-481: Is a small division of troopers based out of Seward who focus on the stretch of the Seward Highway near Girdwood. Their primary responsibility is enforcement of the state's impaired driving laws, and traffic enforcement. They also provide assistance in the investigation of fatal and major incapacitating accidents. Troopers in this unit may also respond to standard calls. The Alaska Bureau of Investigations (ABI)

1050-632: Is also offered to APD officers and to other agency guest officers. The city of Anchorage had a modest beginning as a tent city on the banks of Ship Creek and was originally called Ship Creek Landing. Law enforcement for the Alaska Territory had been in the hands of the United States Marshals . On November 23, 1920, Anchorage was incorporated as a first class city. On December 22, 1920, the city council appointed John J. Sturgus to begin as Chief of Police on January 1, 1921, at

1120-671: Is an added, voluntary assignment for specially-qualified Troopers in addition to their other duties. SWAT Troopers train regularly and remain on call after hours for emergencies. AST SWAT Posts: The Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) works by providing funding, resources and direct assistance to a number of agencies operating within the state of Alaska. SDEU also investigates criminal cases involving drugs or alcohol. SDEU operates by "aggressively confront[ing] drug and alcohol traffickers." SDEU's Mission Statement: The Alaska State Troopers are required by section 18.60.120 of Alaska law to provide and coordinate search and rescue efforts across

1190-710: Is an alumnus of West Anchorage High School , the University of Alaska and the U.S. Marines. Justin Doll ascended to the office in June 2017. Since his appointment he has opened a new Anchorage Police Department Headquarters Building in downtown Anchorage and secured Federal Grant funding to increase patrol units and secure the main highway corridor between the Matanuska Susitna Valley and Anchorage. The Anchorage Police Department's website claims that "APD has come

1260-402: Is currently home to the data processing facility of ASD. West Anchorage High School is adjacent to Romig Middle School and is connected to Romig by a hallway. The schools share a library and running track, the former of which was designed and built as a joint library for both schools. The school's original library, known in later years as "The Cove", has served primarily as classroom space in

1330-478: Is headed by a Commissioner appointed by the Governor . This person is a civilian administrator, though historically he was a career law enforcement officer and administrator. The Commissioner, if a sworn officer upon being appointed as such, may be appointed a "Special Alaska State Trooper" to maintain police powers. The Alaska State Troopers (AST) and Alaska Wildlife Troopers (AWT) are headed by ranking officers with

1400-862: Is responsible for coordinating and conducting major criminal investigations within Alaska State Troopers jurisdiction to include homicides, sexual assaults, polygraph examinations, fraud, forgery, computer and internet crimes, surveillance, missing persons and lengthier property crimes investigations. ABI headquarters is located in Anchorage with posts in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Soldotna, Wasilla. The ABI consists of seven Investigation Units are; Major Crimes, Technical Crimes, Property Crimes, Financial Crimes, Child Abuse Investigations, Cold Case Investigations, and Statewide Drug Enforcement. The Alaska State Trooper Special Weapons and Tactics (AST SWAT) responds to high-risk incidents including hostage situations, warrant executions, and terrorist incidents. SWAT

1470-558: Is the eagle and its colors are orange and black. Class colors are yellow (freshmen) and alternate to blue, red, and green for three consecutive years after students reach their sophomore year. West High has been an International Baccalaureate World School since February 2004, students complete IB classes in six subject areas. and is currently the only high school in the Anchorage School District with an International Baccalaureate program. Nine students graduated from

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1540-411: Is the oldest of ASD's eight major high schools. Serving the western parts of downtown and midtown Anchorage, in 2020-2021 it had an enrollment of 1,754.This makes West Anchorage High School the high school with the highest student enrollment in Alaska, edging East Anchorage High School out by 44 students, which enrolled 1,710 students. The school was established as Anchorage High School in 1953, during

1610-690: The Division of Alaska State Troopers ( AST ), is the state police agency of the U.S. state of Alaska . It is a division of the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS). The AST is a full-service law enforcement agency that handles both traffic and criminal law enforcement. The AST is also involved in apprehending fugitives as part of the Alaska Fugitive Task Force, an inter-agency collaborative of Alaska police departments that cooperates with police agencies throughout

1680-783: The Eagle's Quill . The school's yearbook is The Anchor . West's competitive Drama, Debate, and Forensics team competes in the Alaska School Activities Association 's state championship 4A division. West's theatre program was accepted as a representative of the American High School Theatre Festival at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2007, where they performed Moby Dick! The Musical . West

1750-618: The Greater Anchorage Area Borough (GAAB) to form the Municipality of Anchorage . Though APD contracted police services to the Borough, "Spenard officers" had to use separate ordinances and accounting systems in their duties. APD's service area increased from 31 square miles (80 km) to 110 square miles (280 km). Today, the Anchorage Police Department is the largest police department in Alaska, serving

1820-621: The Rochester Zeniths in seven games. Knights teams would typically start and end each CBA season with lengthy homestands, with a weeks-long bus trip in between for road games in faraway CBA cities. A worship rally held in the gym in 1978, organized by the East Anchorage-based Anchorage Baptist Temple and headlined by keynote speaker Paul Harvey , raised the public profile of the church substantially. The church's pastor, Jerry Prevo ,

1890-464: The Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, engage in search and rescue of missing persons and perform services usually performed by county sheriff 's departments in other states, such as prisoner transport. VPSOs usually also receive Alaska Firefighter-I training and either Alaska Emergency Medical Technician-I (EMT-I) or Alaska Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) in addition to the basic training. The Village Public Safety Officer Program began in

1960-561: The Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers. The museum commemorates the Alaska State Troopers and features a variety of historical memorabilia, including a restored 1952 Hudson Hornet patrol car. West Anchorage High School West Anchorage High School (formerly Anchorage High School ) is a public high school in Anchorage , Alaska . The school is part of the Anchorage School District (ASD). Opened in 1953, West

2030-749: The MATCOM dispatch center in the Mat-Su Valley Borough or the Regional Training Facility ran by the Anchorage Police Department . A Detachment North: A Detachment South: B Detachment: C Detachment: D Detachment: Dispatch Centers: Training Facilities: The Alaska Department of Public Safety Training Academy, located in Sitka, is run by the Alaska State Troopers. It is tasked with training

2100-470: The SAR section is to allocate funding and grants to the various non-profits and regional SAR organizations across the state. The Alaska State Troopers are organized by detachments, each having posts in various cities, towns and villages. The Alaska State Troopers also have various other types of facilities throughout the state, such as the training academy in Sitka. AST also partners with various facilities such as

2170-534: The Spenard PUD's formation, the area immediately surrounding the school saw a building boom, largely due to the efforts of real estate developers such as Earl and Wally Hickel . The year after the school opened, Anchorage Community College (ACC), the lineal predecessor of the University of Alaska Anchorage , began holding classes in the building as well. ACC continued to use the building until they moved to

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2240-685: The United States and less commonly with Interpol in apprehending wanted men and women. Unlike many lower 48 states, the AST also serves as Alaska’s primary environmental law enforcement agency; troopers assigned to the AST’s Division of Alaska Wildlife Troopers are known as "Alaska Wildlife Troopers" and primarily serve as game wardens , although they retain the same powers as other Alaskan state troopers. Because Alaska has no counties , therefore no county police or sheriffs , in its constitution,

2310-403: The University of Alaska Police, and the Alaska State Troopers , who are headquartered in Anchorage. Due to the unique nature of Alaska, with massive tracts of federal lands and its proximity to foreign nations like Russia which shares a nautical border, APD also works closely with various federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, US Customs and Border Protection and US Secret Service. With

2380-665: The West High auditorium and gymnasium were the primary venues in Anchorage for many concerts and other similar events. The only other venues in Anchorage which could accommodate sizable crowds were the Anchorage Sports Arena, a large Quonset hut -type structure at the corner of Fireweed Lane and A Street (which has housed retail businesses since 1980), and the Buckner Fieldhouse on Fort Richardson (now part of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson ). Following

2450-830: The agency was changed to Territorial Police and additional personnel were hired from among the marshals' ranks. The new agency became the Alaska Territorial Police in 1953, the Alaska State Police in 1959 after Alaska became a State, and changed its title to Alaska State Troopers in 1967. The Division of Alaska State Troopers personnel are the general police arm of the agency. They are charged with statewide law enforcement, prevention of crimes, pursuit and apprehension of offenders, service of civil and criminal process, prisoner transportation, central communications, and search and rescue. They perform traditional duties most closely associated with state police in

2520-568: The campus built in the Goose Lake neighborhood (an area now known as the University-Medical District, or U-Med for short) in the early 1970s. The school's name would change from Anchorage High School to West Anchorage High School following the opening of East Anchorage High School in 1961. AISD headquarters were located adjacent to the school, at what was (at the time) the northern end of Minnesota Drive . This building

2590-416: The council began hiring night watchmen during the long winter months of October through March. On June 19, 1935, the council received a petition signed by seven property owners to provide a 24-hour police force. The department got along on foot with the occasional use of a citizen's borrowed car and the use of taxis until the city decided to purchase a vehicle. In August 1930, APD got its first police vehicle:

2660-704: The early 20th century. Deputy marshals continued to be the main force of law in rural Alaska until the advent of the troopers, and many early-era officers of the agency were former deputy marshals. There was no Alaska-wide police force until 1941, when the territorial legislature created the Alaska Highway Patrol. Territorial patrolmen only patrolled the main highways of Alaska and did not visit remote areas or regions. They were commissioned to only enforce traffic laws. They were eventually deputized as special deputy marshals to fill this void in jurisdiction. The legislature refused to make them police officers until

2730-479: The front of the auditorium was presented to the school by the class of 1971. In 2008, the Alaska Legislature appropriated $ 900,000 to create a master plan for redeveloping West Anchorage High School and Romig Middle School as 21st century schools in a center of community. Both West and Romig's Parent Teacher Student Associations, and the eight Anchorage community councils within the attendance area of

2800-549: The full DPS Law Enforcement Training Program. VPSOs are employed by local Native Corporations and supervised by designated area Troopers. VPSOs carry out only basic police tasks such as emergency call response, juvenile offense investigations, protective custody holds of inebriates, assistance to social workers and medical providers, crime scene preservation, issuance of citations for misdemeanor and non-criminal violation offenses, misdemeanor arrests and detention of felony suspects for surrender to troopers, wildlife protection through

2870-399: The incorporated area of Anchorage with adjacent outlying areas for the purpose of providing education services, was formed in 1947 in response to this boom and the strain it placed upon public services, particularly education. A period of heightened school construction in the Anchorage area would follow throughout the 1950s. The school was built in a part of Anchorage known as Romig Hill, in

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2940-993: The largest metropolitan police agency in Alaska, the Anchorage Police Department, with almost 300 officers, and the Wasilla Police Department, with about 28 officers. The remaining officers are the over 300 Alaska troopers and smaller municipal agencies, which have around 50 in towns like the state capital of Juneau or the second largest town in the state, Fairbanks . The remaining full-time officers serve in small agencies with anywhere from one to ten officers on average. The Alaska State Troopers are assisted in their rural policing duties by Village Public Safety Officers (VPSOs). VPSOs are, as of 2014, fully sworn and armed peace officers who handle basic law enforcement in extremely remote and/or small Alaskan communities; Alaskan state troopers travel to these communities to assist VPSOs as needed. The DPS

3010-677: The late 1970s as a means of providing rural Alaskan communities with needed public safety services at the local level. The program was created to reduce the loss of life due to fires, drowning, lost persons, and the lack of immediate emergency medical assistance in rural communities. The Village Public Safety Officer Program was designed to train and employ individuals residing in the village as first responders to public safety emergencies such as search and rescue, fire protection, emergency medical assistance, crime prevention and basic law enforcement. Recent pay raises, statutory changes for firearms armed VPSOs and other areas of expanded training have improved

3080-474: The lower 48 states. The Alaska State Troopers trace special duties back to the onset of World War II , when Territorial Highway Patrolmen watched for Japanese invaders and saboteurs by guarding and patrolling Alaska seaports, railroad tracks, airports, military posts and other important facilities. This was especially critical following the invasion of Alaska by the Japanese. Territorial patrolmen also assisted

3150-557: The military by arresting deserters and AWOLS from the armed forces. After the 9-11 attacks , Alaska State Troopers were recognized by the US government as being in an extremely valuable and unique position and thus a critical asset to national security. Alaska is by distance close to a nuclear-armed nation— North Korea —and even closer to the People's Republic of China . Alaska actually borders Russia and these factors have caused AST to have

3220-512: The most geographically extended law enforcement officers within the United States, apart from federal officers. They have little, if any, local backup. Within the entire State of Alaska, only about 1,300 full-time sworn law enforcement officers patrol a state 1/5th the size of the entire Lower 48. Other than troopers and state park rangers ( peace officers employed by Alaska’s Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation), local officers remain in their communities except in extreme emergencies. This includes

3290-474: The normal school program. West is home to a number of sports competing in the Cook Inlet Conference. They include football, soccer, cross-country running , nordic skiing , volleyball, tennis, hockey, and track & field. The school newspaper, the Eagle's Cry , is an online publication with content written by student members of the eponymous club. The school's creative writing magazine is

3360-504: The northwest corner of what later became Spenard . Just five years before the school's construction, this area was largely rural, populated by cabins and farms. The nearby KENI Radio Building constructed by Austin E. Lathrop was the only substantial construction in the area until the Spenard Public Utility District (PUD) was formed. Public utility districts, like independent school districts, were devised by

3430-665: The officers of every agency in the state of Alaska, with the exception of the Anchorage Police Department and any federal law enforcement agencies operating in Alaska. The Public Safety Training Academy is run by the Director who is the rank of Lieutenant and the Deputy Director who is the rank of Sergeant. The Academy also has instructors who are the rank of Corporal. There are also civilian staff members tasked with office work, food preparation, maintenance, and janitorial duties. The Public Safety Training Academy operates on

3500-527: The opening of the Sullivan Arena and the Egan Center, ASD largely stopped renting the venues to commercial promoters. Many events (including concerts) associated with fundraising for nonprofit organizations continue to be held at the school, however. The original 1953 floor tile bearing the school's seal (eagle logo and name) is kept well-preserved, and encircled by a chain barrier. The eagle on

3570-622: The other two police academies in the state, the paramilitary AK Trooper Academy in Sitka in SE Alaska, which trains the majority of officers in the state and the Tannana Valley Academy, which is affiliated with University of Alaska-Fairbanks (UAF). Out of state police officers are also often accepted as lateral entry candidates based on their backgrounds and training. APD Basic recruit classes are conducted as needed when sufficient vacancies arise. In-service and specialized training

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3640-629: The program in May 2023. West is also home to the School Through the Arts program, which integrates the study of arts into high school courses. Freshmen take STTA history and English classes, as well as an STTA art studio course. Sophomores take the STTA history and English courses, and other non-STTA arts classes. Juniors and seniors continue taking arts classes but take their history and English classes in

3710-599: The rank of Colonel. The Alaska State Troopers trace their heritage back more than a century. Before its founding, law enforcement in Alaska was performed by a succession of federal agencies: the Army , Navy , and Revenue Cutter Service ; the Customs Service ; and the Marshals Service. After a civil government was formed in 1884, the need for law enforcement became critical in the late 19th century as gold

3780-444: The retention and recruitment of VPSOs. There have been 16 Alaska State Troopers, 1 Court Services Officer, and 2 K9s killed since its beginning in 1948. Smith and Wesson M&P model 10 .308 Current issue to AWT The Alaska State Troopers operate the following vehicles: The Alaska Law Enforcement Museum is a small museum located at 245 W. 5th Avenue, Suite 113 across from the 5th Avenue Mall in downtown Anchorage , operated by

3850-539: The schools, have supported redeveloping the campus consistent with the Pre-Planning Vision Report completed in the spring of 2008. The planning process moved forward in November 2008 with a community wide effort to define the 21st-century educational programs for West and Romig as well as to design the campus as a center of community. Meetings were scheduled over the next year, seeking input from

3920-457: The schools, teachers, parents, students, the municipality, businesses, non-profit agencies, and community as a whole. The planning process was scheduled to be completed in December 2009 with sufficient detail to design, finance, and redevelop both schools to meet the educational needs of the 21st century and become a center of community. In the latter half of the 2010's, a two story medical wing

3990-542: The science guy (2014). The Grateful Dead held their only Alaska concerts in the auditorium over the summer solstice, on June 19 through 21, 1980. In 2008, renovations were completed that refurbished the entirety of the auditorium. The gym seats up to 4,500 people for events which accommodate floor seating. Professional wrestling matches, usually booked and headlined by Sándor Szabó and featuring other wrestling talent based in Southern California , were

4060-434: The start of the program in the mid-1970s until the Alaska legislature authorized arming the officers and making them fully empowered peace officers as of July 2014. This legal change was in response to the violent assaults, shootings and even two murders of VPSOs in the line-of-duty on differing occasions. The DPS Academy is tasked to train and certify VPSOs with firearms. In addition, VPSOs also carry all other typical tools of

4130-555: The state of Alaska: The ADPS Training Academy has the following expectations for recruits: The Alaska State Troopers also manage the Village Public Safety Officer program, which provides a peace officer presence in remote communities, usually Native villages that have no police departments and are too small for a trooper post. VPSOs are state trained peace officers, and as of July 2014 are fully credentialed Alaska police officers. They carried no firearms from

4200-463: The state. Chevrolet Impalas , equipped for police duty, make up a majority of the APD fleet. However, Ford Crown Victorias with police interceptors are still used. SWAT and K9 Officers are issued Ford Expeditions . 61°10′45″N 149°48′22″W  /  61.17917°N 149.80611°W  / 61.17917; -149.80611 Alaska State Troopers The Alaska State Troopers , officially

4270-491: The state. The Search and Rescue (SAR) Section is headed by a coordinator who is on 24/7 standby. Upon being called, the SAR section may provide watercraft, aircraft and other equipment to assist in SAR efforts. Part of SAR's responsibilities is to coordinate rescue efforts with other SAR groups such as the US Coast Guard or non-profits such as the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group. Another responsibility of

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4340-400: The territorial legislature to address systemic problems inherent in municipal government at the time, which hampered providing services to growing communities. The school itself was not within the corporate limits of Anchorage at the time of its construction (those limits ended at 16th Avenue, the southern limit of the original townsite reserve), but would later be annexed by Anchorage. Following

4410-659: The troopers also handle civil papers and mental health custody orders and serve as police through most of rural Alaska. Alaska does have boroughs , which have some similarities but with the lesser powers of lower-48 U.S. counties , but only the North Slope Borough Police Department truly functions similarly to a lower-48 county police agency, thus relieving AST of the need to be the primary police agency in this particular region. With jurisdiction across all 663,268 square miles (1,717,856 square kilometres) of Alaska, Alaskan state troopers are

4480-428: The years immediately following the earthquake. The school's science wing was added in 1996 with an indoor planetarium and eight science classrooms with attached labs. A major renovation to the school in 1998 added a new hallway, classrooms, a pool and additional lockers. West High is also home to a 2,000 seat auditorium, the largest of any high school in Alaska . From the time of its construction in 1954 until 1984, it

4550-467: The years since. The school's gifted and talented programs were held in this part of the school for many years. The Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964, destroyed most of the school's second floor, as well as damaging the first floor. Currently, the band/orchestra and choir rooms are all that is left of the second floor. The destruction was a determining factor in the design of Dimond High School and Chugiak High School , both of which were built in

4620-429: Was added, allowing classes such as First Aid and Health Occupation Essentials to be added to the curriculum. This would be the first time part of the second floor would be added to the school since the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, albeit neither section of the second floor is directly connected to each other. West High is attended by approximately 2,000 students in grades 9-12, instructed by roughly 125 faculty. Its mascot

4690-414: Was discovered in Alaska. Gold rush towns had crime rates per capita that dwarfed those of modern U.S. cities. Prostitution, gambling, murder, rape, robbery, arson, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and claim jumping incidents were rampant. Frightened citizens desperately called for help. As a result, scores of deputy marshals were deployed to Alaska. Some cities and towns began to charter police departments in

4760-720: Was home to the Anchorage Northern Knights , a professional basketball team that played in the Continental Basketball Association (which operated under the name Eastern Basketball Association in the team's first season). Among the team's players were Brad Davis , who would go on to play 12 seasons for the Dallas Mavericks , and Ron Davis , who was MVP of the CBA in 1980. The team won the CBA championship in 1980, defeating

4830-408: Was largely unknown at the time outside of the sphere of influence of his congregation. Prevo and his parishioners would become well known in Anchorage shortly thereafter for their role in establishing the Moral Majority in Alaska and their active involvement in Republican Party politics. Until the construction of the Sullivan Arena and the Egan Center , under what Anchorage titled "Project 80s,"

4900-411: Was the largest meeting space in the city. The auditorium hosted many events and concerts including Steppenwolf , the Paul Taylor Dance Company , A Prairie Home Companion (1986), Ozzy Osbourne , Blue Öyster Cult (the first of many appearances the band made in Alaska between 1980 and 1999), Bee Gees , Ted Nugent , Nazareth (1983), Ray Charles , Johnny Cash and Itzhak Perlman , and Bill Nye

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