FAIRBANKS — One of the two Hoonah police officers fatally shot during the weekend was the valedictorian of his graduating class at the law enforcement academy in Fairbanks.

Anthony Wallace, 32, is the first graduate from the Fairbanks academy to die in the line of duty, academy coordinator Dusty Johnson said.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College law enforcement academy opened in 2001 and is one of two law enforcement academies in Alaska. The Alaska Department of Public Safety operates an academy in Sitka.

Johnson described Wallace, who graduated from the 13-week program in May of 2009, as a class leader and a comedian.

“He sat right up front,” Johnson said. “He kept up on everything.”

Community service is one of the graduation requirements, and Wallace performed beyond what was necessary, Johnson said.

“He spent time with the police cadets. He spent time painting (over) graffiti. He did very well,” Johnson said.

Wallace was hearing impaired, but Johnson said he never had reservations about Wallace’s ability to carry out the duties of a police officer.

“He showed that he was equal to the task,” Johnson said. “He was able to hear enough to do his job.”

Authorities say Wallace and the second officer, Matt Tokuoka, were ambushed. The suspect, 45-year-old John Marvin Jr., has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Contact staff writer Amanda Bohman at 459-7544.