Patrol Officer Justin Todd Wollam

Today is the 23rd Anniversary of the loss of APD Officer Justin T. Wollam. I wanted to share an article about Justin written shortly after his loss. I liked and respected Justin and his family. They are a remarkable family and my thoughts and prayers have always been with them. Justin was a "Good and Faithful Servant" and I'm certain those are the first words Justin heard from God the moment he entered heaven.

Well Done Justin, you are remembered and always missed.

APD Guardian Article, Issue 42, July 2001

Officer Justin Todd Wollam

THE KIND OF MAN HE WAS

Officer Justin Wollam was not only a tall man in stature; he was also a tall man in spirit. As a police officer, Justin readily volunteered to assist others. It was obvious that he took pride in his profession and that he enjoyed his work. His enthusiasm and work ethic were infectious.

I witnessed Justin’s work ethic during the Mountain View Elementary School stabbings. Justin was one of the many officers who responded and performed superbly at that confusing and heinous crime scene. After the incident was somewhat stabilized, Justin volunteered to assist in secondary searches, helping with the children and even helped when a suspicious individual appeared on the scene; all of this well past the end of his shift.

Justin’s compassion and eagerness were qualities that I learned to expect from him. When Justin and other Mid-Shift Officers learned of the planned memorial service for Alaska State Trooper Jim Moen, they requested to be relieved as soon as possible so they could participate in the procession. When I arrived for the procession, I noticed Justin and several officers standing on a nearby corner. Even after a full night of “copping” the officers were standing erect and dressed smartly. My pride in APD was heightened when I saw this response.

I spent time talking with Justin and the others that morning. Justin was moved by the response of all the officers and outside agencies. As the old man on the corner, I related stories about other such tragedies and memorials. We always end those conversations with prayers that we never have to attend another memorial. No one on the corner knew how fateful that conversation was.

Before the procession began, someone radioed they needed volunteers to help with traffic control. The voice had not faded before Justin had excused himself and was enroute to help. I wouldn’t have expected anything less of Justin.

Justin chose to serve as a police officer. His family has shared with us that he was very proud to be an Anchorage Police Officer. Justin’s family has a history of dedicated service to this country, and it is easy to recognize why Justin was a tall man in spirit and was destined to be a great police officer. His family places God and servitude into their daily activities. As a faithful son, Justin followed his family’s beliefs and teachings and answered the call of duty. Anchorage can be thankful and proud that he chose to serve here.

Justin’s daughter, Kristin, will tell you that she is very proud of her “Police Officer Daddy”. (She will correct you if you say “policeman”, it’s “POLICE OFFICER!). She made a habit of identifying police vehicles and telling her Dad when she saw one.

Justin’s death has touched many lives, none more so than his family. Justin left his family, friends and co-workers much too early in life; but our memory of him and his sacrifice will never fade.

LT Garry Gilliam
Mid Shift Commander

Garry Gilliam

July 9, 2024