Bernard Chastain appointed as new Wildlife Trooper Director

WASILLA — Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell recently appointed Bernard Chastain as the new Director of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers Division.

According to a recent press release, Chastain has been with the Department of Public Safety since September 1998 and has worked across the state in multiple locations as an Alaska Wildlife Trooper.

“I have worked with Bernard Chastain throughout my 30-year career with DPS, and know that he will excel at leading the Alaska Wildlife Troopers as their new director,”Cockrell stated in the press release. "I know Bernard will continue to drive the positive momentum that was started by retired Colonel Doug Massie for the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and will be an exceptional leader for our fish and wildlife enforcement division.”

Colonel Chastain worked as an Alaska Wildlife Trooper (AWT) in Soldotna and Glennallen before being promoted to Sergeant of the Ketchikan Alaska Wildlife Troopers Post, according to the press release. Chastain went on to supervise the AWT Wildlife Investigations Unit, the major crimes investigation arm of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, and he was promoted to the AWT Operations Captain in Anchorage.

Chastain has worked as both a Major (Deputy Director) in the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and the Alaska State Troopers, overseeing the DPS Aircraft Section and other significant programs and projects within DPS since 2015.

He graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the North America Conservation Law Enforcement Leadership Academy and is the 2010 recipient of the Shikar Safari International Award, which is an award that recognizes significant achievement in resource law enforcement.

“I am deeply honored to have the privilege to lead the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and help support the incredible men and women that drive this mission across the state every day,” Alaska Wildlife Troopers Director, Colonel Bernard Chastain stated in the press release. “As AWT begins its 51st year of service to Alaska I know that our division will continue to protect Alaska’s vast fishing and game resources for the benefit of all Alaskans and hold those that flaunt Alaska’s regulations and laws accountable for their actions.”

According to the press release, The Alaska Wildlife Troopers division currently has 138 Troopers and professional staff.

Chastain’s appointment became effective January 9.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com