Police Week honors legacies

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janiqua P. Robinson
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs

Moody and local law enforcement are hosting various activities to honor National Police Week, May 15-19, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

The week honors the legacies of fallen officers, both civilian and military. It also gives various sections within the law enforcement community an opportunity to train together in friendly competitions.

“Sometimes our mission sets are unique and specific based off jurisdiction and laws, but at the end of the day, there are a lot of similarities that bring us together,” Senior Master Sgt. Derwood Burk, 822d Base Defense Squadron operations superintendent said. “(Police Week) honors those who sacrifice day-in and day-out, they wake up, put on the uniform, get in that patrol car and help people with everything from traffic violations to stopping murderers and criminals.

“When I think of Police Week, the first thing that comes to mind is heritage,” Burk added. “It’s a brothers-and-sisters-in-arms thing, whether it’s active-duty military or local police departments or sheriffs, there’s a camaraderie and brotherhood in this profession of arms."

Each day law enforcement professionals encounter situations that force them to make split-second decisions that can impact lives forever, from routine traffic stops to apprehending violent criminals. Police Week organizers hope to show attendees that they constantly train to stay proficient and vigilant while on the job.

“Events like this are important because it reminds us of the sacrifice we may have to make and the sacrifices those who’ve passed on have made,” ” said Senior Airman Brandon Miles, 23d Security Forces Squadron unit training manager. “It puts into perspective how serious our job can be. We may not always encounter serious threats, but we always have to be ready.”

“I want to spread awareness about Police Week and show the ins and outs of law enforcement,” Miles added. “We train with the civilian police department all the time. We learn things from them and they learn from us, so having them out here this week is great for our camaraderie. We always have fun with the local PD.”

Police Week kicked off on the 15th with a Quadatholon where teams of four participated in a swim, run, bike and ruck march competition, where the team with the fastest time won bragging rights. The events of the 16th highlighted K-9 departments and attendees were able to watch military working dogs demonstrate their capabilities as nonlethal weapon systems and ask questions about their specialties and procedures.

The same day, attendees were able to view vehicles used by law enforcement in the area including SFS, Valdosta Police Department, Lowndes County Sherriff’s Office, 820th Base Defense Group and Valdosta State University Police.

Throughout the week, they’re slated to host a golf and football tournament, and a 5K memorial run.

“It’s motivating to see people come and support us,” said Miles, who helped organize Police Week. “It’s a big morale boost to see people appreciating the job we do. My favorite thing about it is honoring those who have passed away.