The Alaska Federation of Natives awarded BSNC shareholder Lieutenant Lonny Piscoya the Glenn Godfrey Law Enforcement Award. Lieutenant Piscoya’s law enforcement career has spanned nearly 25 years and during that time he has served Alaska and its communities from the Southeast panhandle to the Northern Interior. The knowledge he gained growing up in rural Alaska on the land, rivers and ice surrounding Nome has served him well in his search and rescue assignments. His family and cultural background, which emphasizes cooperation, compassion, humility, and community service, has shaped and guided his development as a public safety officer.
While serving in Ketchikan, he was awarded the Department of Public Safety Purple Heart for injuries he received in the line of duty. During an arrest in 2001, his leg was fractured, yet he still managed to subdue the suspect until backup arrived. In 2005, he was awarded the Police Unit Commendation from the Ketchikan Police Department.
His service with the Fairbanks Post began in 2005 when he was promoted to Lieutenant, Deputy Detachment Commander. He served as Team Leader for the Special Emergency Reaction Team from 2005 to 2011. In 2010, he was chosen to become the Rural Unit Supervisor and Supervisor of the Judicial Service Unit and Bureau of Highway Patrol Unit, an assignment that oversaw the Alaska State Troopers across much of interior Alaska. He also served as the Detachment Search and Rescue Coordinator. In 2018, he was selected as Fairbanks District Attorney’s Officer of the Year.
Piscoya was born in Nome, Alaska to Carol and Roy Piscoya. He was raised in Nome and has seven siblings. He and his wife Bridget, who have been married for 24 years, have six children. He is a member of Rotary International and serves on the Board of Directors for the Midnight Sun Boy Scout Council in Fairbanks.