Defenders honored during National Police Week

Published May 15, 2009
By Capt. Angelic Dolan
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The 386th and 387th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadrons commemorated National Police Week with a variety of events at an air base in Southwest Asia beginning May 10.

The week began with a march to the various memorials of fallen security forces Airmen located around base followed by a reveille ceremony. Other events, such as sporting events, memorials, demonstrations, static displays and a formal retreat followed throughout the week.

National Police Week, a tradition going back 46 years, was born from the inspiration of President John F. Kennedy who signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as National Peace Officers' Memorial Day and the week of May 15 as National Police Week, said Col. Alan Metzler, 586th Air Expeditionary Group commander and the highest ranking security forces member in the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing.

"This is a time that is dedicated to remember the service and sacrifice of our nation's law enforcement officers and, in the Air Force, to remember our fallen defenders," said Colonel Metzler, who was the guest speaker at the reveille ceremony May 10.

1st Lt. Joseph Schneider, 386th ESFS member and event coordinator, said Police Week is not only a time to remember those who fell defending others, but to learn about what police and security forces members do on a daily basis.

"I hope people get a glimpse of our career field and learn a little bit about us," the Urbana, Ill., native said. "It is a time where we celebrate not just the sacrifice and duties of police and law enforcement agents in all the services, but it is also a time to remember law enforcers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. To celebrate the sacrifice they made and their contributions to the United States and the people they guard."

Over the last several years, the main purpose of Police Week has been to form stronger partnerships between police officers and the communities they serve.

"America always, as a country, celebrates those who sacrifice," said Lt. Col. David Young, 386th ESFS commander. "We are celebrating those who have sacrificed. Many times they have had to respond to dangerous situations to ensure our society continues to function. That is why we celebrate them, because we ask them for their services and they do it willingly."

Colonel Young said the courage and sacrifice of the first responders during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks is an example of what is expected of peace officers and defenders.

"During 9-11, when the towers fell, when everyone else was leaving the towers, 300 firefighters and 75 police were going toward them," he said. "That is what we ask of them and why we celebrate them - they go in when others leave. When there is an emergency, they go towards it while others go away. That is what we ask them to do and why we celebrate Police Week."