2nd Security Forces Squadron hosts tour for law enforcement partners

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Luke Hill
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The 2nd Security Forces Squadron hosted a base tour for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies April 10.

Different law enforcement agencies, who partner with the 2nd SFS, were able to tour facilities, the flightline, and other parts of Barksdale.

"Local and federal law enforcement agencies are valuable partners, and we wanted to continue to build and develop those relationships," said Maj. David Watts, 2nd SFS commander.

For many visitors, it was the first time they have gotten to see what happens behind the scenes on Barksdale as well how the 2nd SFS operates.

"I really enjoyed being able to come on base and see all the facilities and aircraft," said Richard Broom-McGee, Bossier City Police Department Deputy Chief. "It's like a city operating just like the one outside the base, and in some ways it's better and safer."

The partnership between security forces and local law enforcement is vital because they are always working together to protect the base and local communities.

"What happens on base affects the community, and what happens in the community affects the base," said Watts.

Some of the opportunities for joint training and operations include crisis and hostage negotiator training, emergency services, S.W.AT. training, and anti-terrorism training. Barksdale SFS and Bossier City PD have worked together on many of these already.

Broom-McGee says he has personally trained some of Barksdale's emergency response unit members on basic S.W.A.T maneuvers.

Barksdale was proud to host these vital partners to the 2nd SFS and allow them to build their relationship with each other and also to gain insight into Barksdale's essential mission.

Building these relationships is important because we are always working together and operating together, said Watts. The more effective we can be as a whole will in turn effect both the base and the community in a positive way.