Curtis Matthew Worland

Curtis Matthew Worland

Feb. 6, 1986 – Dec. 13, 2022

Curtis Matthew Worland, 36, was killed on December 13, 2022 following an attack by a musk ox while attempting to deter a herd away from his dog kennel near Nome, Alaska while on duty.

He is the first Court Services Officer in Alaska and the 69th Alaska law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty.

Curtis was born on February 6, 1986 to Charles “Brian” Worland and Jacqueline Kay Worland at the Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Shortly after being born, Curtis and the family moved to Lebanon, IL. During his childhood, he excelled in football and baseball. In June of 1998, Curtis moved to Alaska and fell in love with the midnight sun and all the outdoor actives Alaska had to offer, including catching his first King Salmon at Montana Creek shortly after the 4th of July in 1998. 

Curtis attended Central Middle School before attending and graduating from Bartlett High School in 2004. Just a few days after graduation, on May 28, 2004, Curtis set off to ride his bicycle from Anchorage, Alaska to Miami, Florida with his brothers Christopher and Charles for the Make a Wish Foundation. The trip was estimated to be 5,612 miles, and the brothers had many adventures including being chased by a bear outside of Fort Yukon, Canada. Along the way to Florida, Curtis and his brothers stopped at the Masonic Children’s Hospital, Carinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, and Riley’s Hospital for Children where they spoke with children suffering from cancer. During the long bike rides, Curtis always found a way to keep his brothers entertained. This trip forged a bond with his brothers and made memories that will never be forgotten.  

Curtis joined the Alaska State Troopers as a Court Services officer in December 2009 and worked at the Nome AST post for his entire 13-year career. In 2011, he was the recipient of the Court Services Officer of the Year award.  He loved his job and all the people he worked with.

On October 4, 2013, Curtis married his best friend Kamey Kapp surrounded by close family and friends in Orvieto, Italy. Together, Curtis and Kamey enjoyed traveling, dog mushing, snow machining, ATV riding, hunting, fishing, and spending time at their camp outside of Nome. They also enjoyed spending time with their extended families and hosting many game nights with their friends.

As AST Captain Andrew Merrill said it best, “To know Curtis was to love Curtis.” Curtis always had a smile on his face and brightened the day of nearly everyone he encountered.  He loved his dogs, especially Floki. He enjoyed sharing the fish that he caught and meat that he hunted with some of his favorite elders in the community. He was always willing to help others and lived his life with happiness and enthusiasm.

Curtis is survived by his wife Kamey, mother Jacqueline (partner Don Swanson) of Anchorage, Alaska; father Charles “Brian” (wife Carmencita) Worland of Texas; brother Charles (wife Misty and children Kaleb, Svea, and Emma) Worland of Eagle River, Alaska; brother Christopher (fiancé Megan and children Evelyn, Roman, Gweneviere, and Victoria) Worland of Anchorage, Alaska; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Nome Recreation Center from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Tundra Health Initiative https://www.tundrahealthinitiative.org/support-us. Tundra Health Initiative is a 501(c)3 organization that meant a lot to Curtis as he helped found it and truly believed in the mission.

 

 

The Nome Nugget

PO Box 610
Nome, Alaska 99762
USA

Phone: (907) 443-5235
Fax: (907) 443-5112

www.nomenugget.net

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