Ep 1. Ice Patrol

Alaska State Troopers follows the daily operations of the law enforcement officers who patrol the vast and rugged terrain of Alaska. In season 1 episode 1, titled "Ice Patrol," viewers are introduced to some of these troopers and the unique challenges they face in their job.

The episode starts with footage of the Alaskan wilderness covered in snow and ice. It immediately establishes the harsh environment in which these troopers work and the dangers that come with it. We are then introduced to Sergeant Nathan Active and Trooper Thomas Fink who are responding to a call about a stolen snowmobile. As they drive through the snow-covered roads, they discuss the challenges of policing in such a remote location. They explain that their coverage area is larger than the state of Ohio and that response times can be several hours.

Upon arriving at the scene, they discover that the stolen snowmobile has been used to transport a stolen generator. Sergeant Active and Trooper Fink quickly investigate the area and are able to track down a suspect. They arrest him and recover the stolen items. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the episode, emphasizing the importance of quick and effective police work in an environment where crimes can easily go unnoticed.

The episode then introduces viewers to Trooper Howie Peterson who works on Alaska's waterways. As he takes his boat out onto the river, he discusses the unique challenges of marine policing. He explains that the water in Alaska is so cold that falling in can lead to hypothermia within minutes. He also discusses the wildlife in the area, specifically the danger of getting too close to bears or moose.

Trooper Peterson is then called to investigate a possible illegal fishing operation. He quickly identifies the suspect's boat and approaches it. The suspects initially try to flee, but Trooper Peterson is able to board the boat and arrest them. This scene highlights the potential for illegal activity in Alaska's vast waterways and the importance of patrolling it effectively.

Finally, the episode follows Trooper Jonathan Stroecker as he responds to a call about a man who has gone missing in the wilderness. He meets with the man's family who explain that he had gone hunting and not returned. Trooper Stroecker then coordinates a search party to comb the area. The search is difficult due to the thick snow and the treacherous terrain. However, after several hours, they are able to find the man. He had gotten lost in the snowy conditions but had managed to build a fire and stay alive until help arrived.

This scene underscores the importance of the troopers' jobs in Alaska. Without their dedication to helping those in need, people could easily get lost or injured in the vast wilderness. The episode concludes with all the troopers reflecting on the importance of their roles in keeping the people of Alaska safe.

Overall, "Ice Patrol" provides an informative and engaging look at the challenges of being an Alaska State Trooper. It effectively showcases the unique environment they work in and emphasizes the importance of effective policing in such a remote location. Viewers get a sense of the dedication and bravery required to do this job and are left with a newfound appreciation for the people who keep the peace in the Last Frontier.