Wright-Patt to celebrate Police Week with events, tributes Published May 6, 2024 By Matthew Fink 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs *Updated May 14, 2024 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will recognize National Police Week with a series of memorials, competitions and public events May 13-17, 2024. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Desmond Brittle) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – In honor of National Police Week, Wright-Patt’s 88th Security Forces Squadron will be hosting a series of memorials, competitions and public events May 13-17. National Police Week has been held annually since President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962. It is intended to memorialize law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty, as well as recognize those currently serving in communities around the country. Maj. Thomas Uhl, 88 SFS commander, said National Police Week has particular significance to his Defenders because much of their job involves patrolling within the local community. “Because we have extensive jurisdiction outside the installation, law enforcement continues to be a large part of our DNA here at Wright-Patt,” he said. “Police Week is an opportunity for us to be present and to build rapport with the folks living around the base.” This year’s Police Week will feature several events that Team Wright-Patt personnel can participate and compete in: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will recognize National Police Week with a series of memorials, competitions and public events May 13-17, 2024. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Desmond Brittle) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Monday, May 13 Opening ceremony – 8 a.m. Andy Wilson, Ohio Department of Public Safety director, will give opening remarks at 88 SFS Defenders Grove, Building 295. K-9 Skills Competition – 10 a.m. K-9 teams from surrounding law enforcement agencies will go through an obedience challenge, obstacle course, capability and bite demonstrations. This event is being held at the softball field by Jarvis Fitness Center on Area A. Wednesday, May 15 Police Week Golf Tournament – 7:30 a.m. Join a two to four-player, best-ball scramble at Prairies Trace Golf Course. Shotgun start will be at 8 a.m. Deadline to register is May 14. To sign up, email paul.simmons.9@us.af.mil and michael.kowalke@us.af.mil. Cops and Cars/Police Expo – 3:30 to 6 p.m. Come out to Prairies base housing community park to see the latest technology and equipment local law enforcement agencies and 88 SFS Defenders use to keep communities safe. There will be a food truck, guest appearance by Chase from Paw Patrol, K-9 demonstrations and more. Thursday, May 16 Defenders Challenge – 9 a.m. Held at the Warfighter Training Center, this challenge involves teams of four to five members racing through a series of physical challenges with a 25-pound weighted vest to see who can take the top three spots. This event is open to all military organizations and law enforcement agencies, to include civilians. To register, email brian.anderson.53@us.af.mil. Friday, May 17 Ruck to Remember – 7:30 a.m. Join 88 SFS in a 5K ruck march to honor the fallen. It will begin at Defenders Grove, Building 295. Participants are not required to wear a ruck; however, if you do, organizers recommend a 35-pound limit. Only unit guidons or U.S. colors are permitted during the ruck march. No registration is required. Closing ceremony – 11 a.m. Police Week will be closed out with a formal remembrance ceremony at 88 SFS Defenders Grove, Building 295. These are Airmen who work 24 hours a day and seven days a week. A lot of the time, it’s a thankless job. This is one of those opportunities to meet them and say ‘thank you.’ Maj. Thomas Uhl, 88th Security Forces Squadron commander Uhl encourages the surrounding community to come out and support as many events as they can. “These are Airmen who work 24 hours a day and seven days a week,” he said. “A lot of the time, it’s a thankless job. This is one of those opportunities to meet them and say ‘thank you.’” For more information about WPAFB’s Police Week, contact Tech. Sgt. Brian Anderson, 2024 planning committee lead, at brian.anderson.53@us.af.mil.