88th Security Forces Squadron honors fallen comrades during National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Stacey Geiger
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – In partnership with local and national law enforcement agencies, the 88th Security Forces Squadron will take part in honoring fellow police officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice during National Police Week, May 14-20.

 

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.

 

“During National Police week, we will be honoring our fellow Security Forces Squadron defenders and Air Force Office of Special Investigation special agents that we have lost in combat during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq,” Capt. Matt Cole, 88th Security Forces Squadron operations officer, said.  

Along with honoring those officers who are no longer here, there are several events scheduled to highlight the great things that the 88th Security Forces does on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

From 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, May 15, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and on Tuesday, May 16, at the commissary and base exchange, the squadron will have military weapons on display and conduct a military working dog demonstration. There will also be a special appearance made by McGruff the crime dog.

 

On Wednesday, May 17 with a 9:15 a.m. shotgun start, the 88th SFS will host the Wright-Patterson Defender's Association 2nd Annual Police Week golf tournament at the Twin Base Golf Course. Half of the proceeds collected from the tournament will be donated to Concerns of Police Survivors, C.O.P.S.  C.O.P.S provides resources to families and co-workers of officers who were killed in the line of duty. The event is $70 per person or $280 per team and includes breakfast, lunch, golf cart and green fees. To register, contact Tech. Sgt. Burt Perry at (937) 902-3071, burt.perry@us.af.mil or Staff Sgt. Jason Bell at (937) 904-2969, jason.bell.11@us.af.mil.

In addition to the public events, the 88th SFS will also be holding events within the squadron such as a retreat ceremony and a warfighter challenge.

 

“The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base workforce and community have always been our greatest supporters and so during National Police Week I encourage everyone to take a moment to honor those in law enforcement whose lives were lost,” Cole said. “Also, when you see a defender whether at the gate or somewhere on the installation, please thank them for their service and dedication in keeping us all safe.”

 

The 88th SFS has approximately 400 defenders who are providing continuous protection, security and safety for the installation 24-hours, 365 days a year and was recently awarded the 2016 Air Force Materiel Command Large Security Force Unit for their achievements in providing outstanding service.