Moody remembers fallen police officers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Service members and local law enforcement officers gathered in silence as 40 names were called during a 50th anniversary National Police Week retreat ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., May 15. The names were 40 military and Georgia police officers who were killed in the line of duty last year.

National Police Week has been observed since 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation for the first observance.

"Police week is about recognizing the fallen officers," said Lowndes County Sheriff Department Sgt. Mike Adams, superintendent of Sherriff's Patrol to Enforce Effective Driving and Air Force Reserve master sergeant. "Everybody should remember they came from families too. For every police officer killed in the line of duty, there are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, wives, husband and children who also make a sacrifice."

In addition to the retreat ceremony, military and civilian working dogs competed in a competition. Handlers and their dogs swept a building for narcotics and explosives.

"K-9s have been used in law enforcement for a long time," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Smith, 23d Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer. "For Police Week, we got together to see who has the 'top dog'. These events give us an opportunity to see other department's dogs at work and give them a chance to see ours. We can expand our knowledge by learning from other handlers."

During the retreat ceremony, Col. Billy Thompson, 23d Wing commander, gave a speech and laid a memorial wreath in memory of the officers killed.

"Whether in deployed locations, at home station or downtown, our law enforcement professionals risk their safety in the service and protection of others around the world," said Thompson. "They often do it without a great deal of recognition and even more often in very difficult circumstances. This is worthy of great respect and admiration from us all.

"Today we highlight and strengthen the great partnership between civilians and Airmen," he added. "Team Moody is especially grateful to the city of Valdosta for the exceptional community support that is essential to accomplishing our mission."

During the retreat ceremony, two squad cars were parked side by side at the President George W. Bush Air Park at Moody Field. One car was from the Hahira Police Department and the other was from Moody. These cars parked side by side symbolized the relationship between local and military law enforcement.

"Valdosta Police Department has a great relationship with Moody and security forces," said Valdosta Police Department Maj. Brian Childress, commander of bureau of investigative services and retired security forces Airman. "We routinely work with Moody law enforcement and the office of special investigations. It's a joint operation because crime downtown affects Moody, and crime at Moody affects downtown. I sincerely appreciate the support we get from Moody."