CANNONA AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Members of the 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron participated in multiple events during the week of May 10 - May 14 to commemorate National Police Week.
National Police Week pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died or who have been disabled in the line of duty. It is celebrated May 15th of each year.
“Police Week is important to me because it recognizes all of the hard work and dedication that not only Security Forces members put in, but all police officers [placing] their time and lives before others” said Senior Airman Sean Kehler, 27 SOSFS Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Team Member.
Both military and civilian law enforcement officers from around the world host remembrance events to honor those that serve and protect.
“The reason for celebrating police week began in May of 1962,” Kehler said. “President John F. Kennedy declared ‘15 May and each succeeding year thereafter, as Peace Officers Memorial Day’.”
The day of remembrance also represents those that have paid the ultimate price.
For the 27 SOSFS, it was an opportunity to interact with the base community in a non-official capacity with several events open to the public, such as: a fundraiser ruck march, shooting competition, military working dog demo, DAGRE rally, and retreat.
“We only see people on their worst day and they associate us with that bad day,” said Special Agent Joe Parise, Detachment 120 superintendent. “So it’s nice every once in a while to see people on a good day, when positive things are happening and put out an environment other than ‘oh someone’s in trouble so the police are here.’”