Trooper Pilot Berke Morgan Matthew Bates

To the Bates family:

I am a retired Detective from the Juneau Alaska Police Department, and currently on the Alaska Governor Security Detail.

I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Berke’s death. I first met Berke about 5 years ago in Austin, Texas while attending the Texas DPS Dignitary Protection school. At that time Berke was assigned to the Governor Detail with SC Troopers. I instantly liked Berke, as his sense of humor was unique and appealed to my nature. (At the training Berke had nicknamed me “Baked Alaska” due to the 110 degree heat).

We crossed each other’s paths a few more times at NGA Confrences in Washington DC. Each time we met, I knew Berke to have always had a smile, a laugh, a serious “all business” side and a wickedly unique sense of humor. He seemed the sort of man I would have truly enjoyed working with - although I believe had we done so, his and my sense of humor would have landed us in some Captains office somewhere getting our butts chewed...and am sure we’d be giggling like schoolboys as the frustrated Captain did so. (Command Staff just don’t understand being “unique” enriches a department...)

I grieve for your loss and wish I had the words to better express my heartfelt condolences. Be assured Berke is fondly remembered and missed all the way up in Alaska.

Detective Kenneth Jennings
Alaska Governor Security Detail

September 13, 2018