JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS VA. -- Air Combat Command Security Defenders hosted National Police Week across the command, from May 14 to 16, 2018.
“Police Week was first established in 1962 when Former United States President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating 15 May as Peace Officers Memorial Day,” said Master Sgt. Zachary Simpson, 366th Security Forces Squadron logistics superintendent. “National Police Week pays special tribute to those law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.”
Defenders from the 99th SFS, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, began the week by holding a breakfast at The Club on base, where a member of the Metropolitan Police Department attended as a guest speaker and told about his actions during the Oct. 1st shooting at the Route 91 harvest festival in Las Vegas.
“Throughout the week, activities were held to bring together on-and off-base law enforcement members in the spirit of camaraderie and competition,” said Lt. Col. David Mays, commander of the 49th SFS, Holloman AFB, New Mexico. “All activities were open to both state and federal law enforcement officers to increase our continued need to work together in protection of our communities and residents.”
Defender hosted events across the command included a retreat ceremony and memorial workout at Holloman AFB, a ruck march, gas mask run and final guard mount ceremony by the 366th SFS, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, a military working dog demonstration and defender challenge, that included a Humvee push, by Defenders from the 633rd SFS, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia and a police challenge, shoot house competition and 5k run by Defenders of the 4th SFS, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina.
"Police Week gives law enforcement officers the opportunity to memorialize and pay respects to our fallen officers," said Master Sgt. Megan Harper, 355th Security Forces Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, swing shift flight chief.
Defenders from the 355th SFS, Air Force Office of Special Investigations as well as members of local and federal law enforcement agencies participated in various activities throughout the week. These activities included a ruck march, shooting competition, golf tournament and a community engagement workshop.
"It’s a way to bridge the gap between defenders and the community,” Harper said. "It’s about giving back to the community because the number one mission for us is taking care of people.”
With a history that predates the inception of the Air Force, Security Forces Airmen uphold a legacy of “Defensor Fortis,” or “Defenders of the Force,” and it’s an idea that permeates the essence of law enforcement across the nation.