2d SFS members celebrate National Police Week on base

  • Published
  • By Stephanie Bemrose
  • The Bombardier
The 2d Security Forces Squadron held retreat May 17 in honor of National Police Week.

The purpose of this event was to honor all fallen police and peace officers throughout the country and military members abroad every year within the week of May 15, according to Staff Sgt. Kathleen Currey, police services staff NCO.

"It's important to recognize civilian law enforcement officers and military policeman who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving others," said Maj. Kevin Cullen, 2d SFS commander.

Major Cullen said local events for this observance went well.

"The law enforcement agencies in northern Louisiana share a great relationship and Police Week provided us the opportunity to get together again for some professional fellowship," the major said.

Christopher Bowman, 2d SFS plans and programs chief, said this is the one week during the year when law enforcement honors its fallen officers and informs the base that every 57 hours another law enforcement officer gives up his or her life for perfect strangers.

"We reflected on the six security forces personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice since Sept. 11," Mr. Bowman added.

One Airman who recently lost his life was Staff Sgt. John Self, a security forces specialist from the 314th Squadron Forces Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

"The loss of Sergeant Self had a big impact on Police Week," the major explained. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and Little Rock AFB."

Sergeant Currey added that the retreat went well with about 50 members in attendance.

Besides the retreat, Sergeant Currey said she and 10 other members of the squadron were a part of the local Special Olympics Torch Run May 14 sponsored by Shreveport Police Department. Other departments included in the event were Bossier Sheriffs Off-ice, Bossier Police Department and Caddo Parish members.

"We ran a total of 10 miles from Bossier Civic Center into Shreveport over the Texas Street Bridge, to the Shreveport court house where Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover addressed all who were present and blessed the runners," the sergeant said. "We then continued on to Chic-Fil-A on Youree Drive. We also had a base golf tournament May 16 that included 37 personnel with law enforcement ties."

Next year, there are plans to invite teams from other state and federal law enforcement agencies to the golf tournament, Mr. Bowman added.

May 15 has been National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week containing May 15 has been National Police Week, since President John F. Kennedy signed it into law on October 1, 1962, according to the Police Week Web site.

Still, it was not until May 15, 1982, that the first National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service was held. The annual candlelight vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is one activity that brings law enforcement survivors to Washington, DC. during National Police Week each year.