Security forces observes national peace officers memorial day

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Steven Robertson
  • 354th Security Forces Squadron
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  On October 1, 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 declaring May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week containing May 15 as National Police Week.

Today, National Police Week is celebrated across the United States. Air Force Security Forces units also commemorate and honor those who serve as law enforcement officers. National Police Week's primary focus is to inform and remind the public about the nation's fallen peace officers' ultimate sacrifice.

During the week of May 10 through 15, the 354th Security Forces Squadron celebrated the week by participating in three events.

The 354th Security Forces squadron traveled to the Fairbanks Police Department and participated in a joint memorial service with local police agencies including the Alaska State Troopers. Maj. James Popphan, 354th SFS commander, joined local civilian police chiefs in reading names of fallen peace officers in Alaska May 14.

Twelve 354th Security Forces Airmen participated in the event. Master Sgt. Anthony Mosher, Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Ehlinger, Staff Sgt. Samantha Freeman, Tech. Sgt. Robert Brown, Staff Sgt. Jedadiah Schroder, Staff Sgt. Philip Maxwell, and Staff Sgt. Brett Marzo performing duties as the "21-gun" salute firing detail, Airman 1st Class David Leonard will sing the national anthem, and Tech Sgt. Cody Belt will command the joint police formation as the Sergeant of Arms.

"It means a lot to honor fallen security forces members and civilian police officers," said Tech. Sgt. Cody Belt, 354th Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant.

"Today, all Alaskan officers were honored but there are still hundreds more that have been killed in action whether it be in peacetime or wartime in Afghanistan, so it means a lot to participate and it feels good to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice," he said after the memorial service.

Also that morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., adjacent to the AAFES Theater, the 354th Security Forces Squadron joined the 354th Fighter Wing Safety office in the second annual joint Police Appreciation and Safety Awareness Day. There were several displays such as police vehicles, a weapons display, and a military working dog demonstration that Icemen were encouraged to visit with the officers and learn a little more about what they do.

"We're hoping to let them see what we do a little bit more each day and that we're not bad people," said Sergeant Belt.

In addition, the 354th Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Department set up a simulated "smoke-house" display. Security Forces held a free burger burn courtesy of the Eielson commissary.

Police week concluded at 10 a.m. on Saturday with Security Forces participation in a joint Law Enforcement Torch Run in Fairbanks, proceeds of which support Special Olympics Alaska.

Since 1950, 35 Security Forces members have been killed in action serving in campaigns as Air Police in Korea, Security Police in Vietnam and Desert Storm, and up through today as Security Forces supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. As of this printing, 146 Security Forces Airmen have died in theater, or while on duty.

Every 57 hours a law enforcement officer gives his or her life in the performance of their duties. In addition, more than 56,000 law enforcement officers are assaulted each year, resulting in over 16,000 injuries.

"Police week means a lot. Most of us know someone who has fallen in the line of duty. It's tough to think about but it's good that we still remember them," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Lewis, 354th SFS Military Working Dog handler.

In Alaska, 60 civilian Law Enforcement officers have given their lives since entering statehood. In total, nearly twenty thousand law enforcement officers nation-wide have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in either the United States military or their civilian communities.

Numerous police organizations hold memorial services locally, regionally, and on a statewide level during National Police Week. Police departments may offer open houses, SWAT team demonstrations, and other public events.

"Police Week forges stronger partnerships between police services and the communities they serve, and more importantly; National Police Week allows the entire law enforcement family to honor their fallen officers," said Major Popphan, 354th SFS commander.

Today, Americans are much more aware of contributions made by peace officers not to mention their families from organizations like Concerns of Police Survivors. COPS contributes in spreading national attention by distributing an average of 500,000 blue ribbons to those who want to show support by tying the ribbons to their car antennas.

Furthermore, one of the most visible acts of national recognition for fallen officers was the signing of the largest crime bill in U.S. history; the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.

A major part of this law, signed by former President Bill Clinton, included that the United States flag be displayed at half-staff on May 15, National Peace Officers' Memorial Day.