Retreat ceremony marks end of National Police Week

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Luke Kitterman | Wing leadership, community mebers and members of the 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron observe the lowering of the flag during a retreat ceremony May 18, 2018, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The retreat ceremony marked the end of National Police Week, a week in observance of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officials across the country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luke Kitterman/Released)  

CLOVIS, NM, UNITED STATES

05.18.2018

Story by Senior Airman Luke Kitterman 

27th Special Operations Wing

According to the National Peace Officers Memorial Fund website, National Police Week was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy to pay tribute to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Ceremonies are held annually throughout the nation with the main observances taking place in Washington, D.C.

“It is important for us to observe National Police Week to recognize the sacrifices our law enforcement professionals endure day in and day out,” said Maj. Brenton Pomeroy, 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron commander. “While most people are sleeping, Defenders are still out guarding our base, responding to dangerous incidents, investigating crimes and enforcing the Uniform Code of Military Justice, all to keep Cannon safe.”

During the week, the 27th SOSFS held an ‘Excellence-In-Competition’ pistol match between military participants. It gave Air Commandos a chance to directly interact with our base defenders in a friendly competition testing their aim while paying homage to those who have served.

The 27th SOSFS also conducted a 6-mile memorial ruck march on base for fallen military and civilian Law Enforcement Officials. The ruck march was in conjunction with a canned food drive where participants could compete in teams or solo and carried canned food goods in their ruck sack to the finish line. The canned food goods were donated to the Freedom Foundation of Eastern New Mexico who help struggling veterans.

Those two events, along with others, helped showcase the true meaning of National Police Week, Pomeroy added.

“Police week provides us an opportunity to interact with the community and show them what we do,” Pomeroy said. “It also provides us an opportunity to remember those that have given their lives to protect others.”

• Date Taken: 05.18.2018
• Date Posted: 05.18.2018 20:00
• Story ID: 277619
• Location: CLOVIS, NM, US