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Al Udeid defenders commemorate Police Week

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ted Nichols
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --  Members of the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron deployed here in support of Operations Freedom Sentinel and Inherent Resolve took time to remember the service and sacrifice of fallen members of the law enforcement community as part of National Police Week 2018, May 13-19.

“Police Week has always been dear to my heart,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Blumkin, 379th ESFS flight line security response force member. “As a civilian law enforcement officer for 10 years, I’ve lost many friends in the line of duty and that’s what Police Week is really about — honoring those that have fallen and those that are currently serving and the hardships that not only them but their families are also going through.”

Security forces hosted numerous events throughout the week for the base population to participate in the observance. Activities included a 24-hour remembrance walk, military working dog competition and ruck march, law enforcement tactics demonstration, the 5K Ruck/Run to Remember and a fallen defender memorial ceremony.

“While the ceremony and events of the week allow us to respectfully pay tribute to their passing, it also gives us an opportunity to refocus our dedication and commitment to the security, defense and law enforcement of our fellow Airmen, the Air Force and the country – a retargeting of the commitment each defender makes every day,” said Lt. Col. Mark W. Breed, 379th ESFS commander.

Breed continued, “Although Police Week is often regarded as a responsibility to honor the legacy of those that have fallen, it also provides a unique event to invest and reinforce the values of sacrifice and commitment in the defenders standing post today and in the future."

National Police Week originated on Oct. 1, 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 that declared May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.