2009
Jan 25 - completed online preliminary application
Feb 23 - mailed background packet - over 40 pages of information, painstakingly hand written. Some of the pages re-done 4 or 5 times until spelling and dates are correct. Some pages had to be notorized. All had to be perfect.
Apr 11 - James' telephone interview with Investigator Hickman. 1 1/2 hours on the phone on a Saturday afternoon to review all the information from last year and this year and anything else Investigator Hickman wanted to know. Most interesting question: What would make you a better candidate this year?
Apr 13 - Jessi telephone conversation with Investigator Hickman. 1 1/2 minutes on the phone to confirm that I am still supportive of James' intent to become an Alaska Trooper. Then another 1 1/2 minutes to look up Jed's home phone number for Investigator Hickman - Maria, I'm sorry if he actually called your house at 9:15 at night - it was only 7:15 in Anchorage.
NEXT STEPS
By May 15th - a phone call with an invitation to interview in Anchorage or a "No Thanks/Try Again" letter.
During June 8-26 - 7-10 days of interview in Anchorage - Including:
- physical fitness test - push ups, sit ups and 1 1/2 mile run
- in-person board interview and short essay
- fingerprinting
- lie detector test/polygraph
- psychological written test
- interview with psychologist
- medical examination & drug screening
Aug 2nd - Trooper Academy begins in Sitka and lasts 18 wks (until the week of James' birthday - December 4th)
Dec or Jan 2010 - Field Training and Evaluation Program - FTEP - The first 15 weeks and the location of the first duty assignment, usually lasting 2 years and then eligible to bid for new posts. Most likely location of the FTEP: Fairbanks, Palmer, or Soldotna (Bethel).
2010 - Officially move to Alaska - to be eligible for reimbursement for moving expenses, the move & documentation must be submitted within one-year of hire date.