Authorities have released the names of the two officers who fired their weapons during last week’s fatal officer-involved shooting near Whittier.
The Department of Public Safety identifies them as Alaska State Troopers Sergeant Matthew Sidders, a 14-year veteran of the agency, and Wasilla Police Department Sergeant David Burtch, who has 11 years of service.
The July 9 incident occurred after troopers and SWAT team members located 58-year-old Philip Phillips on a boat anchored near Whittier. Phillips was wanted on a no-bail warrant after failing to appear for trial, where he had been found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor and harassment charges…