Barret Eningowuk, Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) of Shishmaref, has been recognized with the prestigious Glenn Godfrey Law Enforcement Award at the 2024 Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) conference. Eningowuk was born in Anchorage to parents Johnson Eningowuk and Luci Eningowuk.
The 37-year-old started his career in law enforcement as a village police officer with the City of Shishmaref. He has since served as a VPSO for Kawerak, Inc for over 13 years and was promoted from Sergeant to First Sergeant earlier this year.
While accepting his award at AFN, Eningowuk credited the support of his family for his success.
“Empty seat at the dinner table, empty seat at holidays and things like that, I'd like to say thank you to my wife for enduring those sacrifices throughout the years. She's been there throughout my entire career, and I love her, and I'm very thankful,” Eningowuk said.
Eningowuk also thanked the support of the Alaska State Troopers, his supervisor at Kawerak Gina Appolloni, and Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) for nominating him.
BSNC Board Chair, Roy Ashenfelter, thanked Eningowuk for his service to the small island community of Shishmaref.
“Barret, your dedication to the safety and well being of our community, Shishmaref, as the village public safety officer has filled us with immense pride. We are confident that your dedication will lead to continued success. Quyanna, congratulations on this well deserved honor,” Ashenfelter said.
The award, named after the late Colonel Glenn Godfrey, Alaska State Trooper and former Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Public Safety, honors outstanding leadership and dedication in Alaska’s law enforcement community.
Nome’s retired Alaska State Trooper Brian Wassmann earned the award in 2022, making Eningowuk the second western Alaskan in three years to receive the prestigious honor.
