MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The 22nd Security Forces Squadron hosted an event with the Southern Kansas Northern Oklahoma Peace Officers Association to trade information and training ideas with the local law enforcement community.
“These meetings are a big part in the success of law enforcement,” said Chad VanHoesen, SKNOPOA president. “It’s a really good way to break the communication barriers.”
During the meeting, officers exchange personal information to develop the relationships between officers around the community.
“Our line of defense starts outside of that gate,” said Maj. John Farmer, 22nd SFS commander. “We’ve never relied more on our civilian counter-parts than we do now.”
Farmer briefed attendees about the mission here and why it is important to have outside help. He emphasized the different types of training that are implemented to create the best defense possible.
Along with McConnell defenders, the audience was compromised of Winfield and Sedgwick county law enforcement.
"No matter how good the troops on our base are, without the support we would fail," said Farmer. "It's a must that we work together."