by Senior Airman Mercedes Taylor
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The Little Rock Air Force Base 19th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron partnered with the local police community to honor law enforcement officers during National Police Week held May 9-13 at Little Rock Air Force Base.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy established May 15 as the Peace Officers Memorial Day; the week in which that date falls is National Police Week. The annual observance commemorates law enforcement officers who’ve fallen in the line of duty.
This year, 19th SFS Defenders began the week with a formation run. Other events throughout the week included a two-day jail-n-bail, 24-hour ruck march, military working dog competition and a capability demonstration. Local police agencies such as Jacksonville Police Department and the Pulaski County Sheriff Department participated in several of these base events as well.
“Police Week went really well this year,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. April Berry, a 19th SFS military working dog handler. “The support we received this year was enormous, especially from the local community. We had multiple organizations come out and support the event.”
The week ended with a somber closing ceremony where the base Honor Guard fired three volleys and played Taps for fallen police officers.
“Police Week allows us to showcase our capabilities to the community while raising morale,” Berry said. “However, it’s not just a week of events. It’s a ceremony of people we’ve lost; when you read the names of people who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty it’s very humbling.”
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