 Seeks Private Sector Challenges following 32-Year Trooper Career June 10, 2002
"Glenn Godfrey has led an exemplary career with the Alaska State Troopers, from walking a beat to finding innovative ways to improve law enforcement in rural communities, and finally serving as Commissioner of Public Safety," Knowles said. "He has distinguished himself by his selfless dedication to public service, his commitment to protecting Alaska's children, and meeting the unprecedented public safety challenges that followed September 11." Born and raised in Kodiak, Godfrey joined the Alaska State Troopers in 1970. He served as a patrol trooper in Anchorage, Juneau, and Northway, where he was responsible for drug enforcement along the Canadian border. In 1978, he was promoted as post commander for Western Alaska in Bethel where he was instrumental in the development of the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) program. Godfrey was later assigned to the director's office in Anchorage and was put in charge of the VPSO program, statewide search and rescues, and the Trooper's Special Emergency Reaction Team. Godfrey went on to serve as chief of Rural Enforcement and deputy director of the Alaska State Troopers. Knowles promoted Godfrey to director of the Trooper Division in 1995 and he succeeded Ron Otte as Commissioner of the Department in August of 2000. Godfrey also serves as chairman of the Koniag Inc., the ANSCA regional corporation for Kodiak, and was named "Citizen of the Year" by the Alaska Federation of Natives in 1999. "I am honored to have served as Commissioner under Gov. Tony Knowles and worked with his cabinet," Godfrey said. "I am also honored to have served with the team of dedicated Alaska State Troopers, Fish & Wildlife Protection Troopers, and the men and women of the Department of Public Safety who work every day to keep Alaskans safe." Deputy Commissioner Del Smith will serve as acting Commissioner until a permanent successor is named.
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