McConnell's Law Enforcement observes National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Bernal Del Agua
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Airmen from the 22nd Security Forces Squadron are observing National Police Week May 12 through May 16 with a variety of events on and off base.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as "National Peace Officers Memorial Day," and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as "National Police Week." Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

"Collectively, Police Week is about the fallen officers, but it is also about law enforcement," said Tech. Sgt. Max Soto, 22nd Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog trainer. "When I think about Police Week, I also think of it as a networking opportunity because we rely on the local police, and they rely on us."

Over the years, the squadron has participated in training exercises and real-world calls for assistance from surrounding civilian police departments.

Whether they wear a military or civilian uniform, they share the duties to guard and defend their respective communities.

"Police Week to me means taking a moment to reflect on our brothers and sisters who gave their lives in the line of duty while serving and protecting the people of the great United States of America," said Staff Sgt. Heather Flanagan, 22nd SFS standards and evaluations evaluator.

The week kicked off with members of the 22nd SFS participating in a five-mile remembrance ruck march in the rain May 12.

"The Defenders' Association, a security forces private organization, has arranged various activities, displays and ceremonies to not only showcase our duties to the community, but to bring all law enforcement agencies together, as a family, during this very heartfelt and emotional week," said Flanagan.

The security forces members showcased a weapons display, TASER demonstration, and a K-9 demo on May 13, which allowed the base community a chance to see some of the capabilities Defenders use to protect McConnell.

"It's important because it shows the community that we are here for them when they need us," said Soto.

The largest event for the week is a memorial ceremony in downtown Wichita, Kan., scheduled for May 16 at the City of Wichita Municipal Court City Hall.

"As Defenders' Association president and Security Forces Squadron point of contact for the 2014 National Police Week, I have made it my mission to bring together not only all security forces members on McConnell, but all law enforcement agencies across Kansas," said Flanagan. "We are, as a whole, one law enforcement team. Together we are 'One Team, One Fight'."