Tony April to serve as Deputy Director of Alaska State Troopers

PALMER — Alaska State Trooper Captain Tony April was recently promoted to the rank of Major and he will serve as the Deputy Director.

April has served as Captain of the Alaska State Troopers B Detachment since 2012. AST Lieutenant Andy Gorn will take April's place as Captain of the B Detachment, overseeing Trooper efforts across the Mat-Su Valley and Glennallen.

April said that he's honored to have the opportunity to serve in a new role that allows him to help people across the state. He credited the combined efforts of his dedicated colleagues for demonstrating the power of working together to assist those affected by crime and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

"It's not one individual. It's a team," April said.

April is the first African American to be promoted to the Major rank within the Alaska State Troopers.

"It feels great," April said. "Rank never made me and it never will. I may be Major Tony April but I'm still Tony April."

April is an active member of NOBLE, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

"I think my diverse background gave me a unique perspective," April said.

April started his career with the Alaska State Troopers in 1997. He said that he's worked on every kind of case from street level to major crimes.

"I've seen it all," April said. I've seen the worst of the worst in human beings and I've seen the best of the best in human beings," April said. "I am personally grateful for my time here."

Looking forward, April said that he aims to continue focusing on what's important, serving the community.

"We cannot lose sight of that," April said.

April said that he intends to continue expanding AST community outreach efforts such as the annual Shop with a Hero holiday gift giveaway with Walmart.

"I believe in service above self," April said. "It builds trust and legitimacy. It shows that you are a part of the community. If you truly go out there to serve, the friendship is lifelong."

April said they have an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life every time they put on their uniform, and he still smiles when he puts his on.

"When you lose that smile it's time to go ahead and retire," April said with a laugh.

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