JBSA continues to participate in National Police Week

Photo By Staff Sgt. Shelby Pruitt-Johnson | Fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Robert D. Gaylor, spoke about law enfacement officers and security forces members May 17, 2018, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The event was held for Police Week, a week of celebrations honoring law enforcement officers and their service and sacrifices. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Shelby Pruitt)  

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, TX, UNITED STATES

05.21.2018

Story by Airman Shelby Pruitt-Johnson 

502nd Air Base Wing

Security forces members throughout Joint Base San Antonio participated in National Police Week with events held on each JBSA location April 14-18.
National Police Week was established by a joint resolution of Congress in October 1962. It occurs annually during the week in which May 15 falls. National Police Week recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement members and pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
“It’s a celebration of not just our career field but it’s a celebration of life for those that have passed on and paid that sacrifice or have been disabled and can no longer do what we do.” said Staff Sgt. Shawna Grocott, 902nd Security Force Squadron trainer.
“These events are designed to enforce close bonds with the public fellow peace officers and commemorate with dignity and respect to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our protection.” said Airman 1st Class Anson Hinson, 902nd Security Forces member.
To kick off the week-long celebration, a ceremony was held at the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle, Monday May 14.
On Tuesday May 15, on JBSA-Lackland, a “Defender Challenge” was held, including a ruck march, fire team pushups, and a shooting competition.
Wednesday May 16 consisted of a flag football tournament held at JBSA-Randolph.
A softball tournament and a Military Working Dog competition took place on Thursday May 17. The softball tournament was held on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
At JBSA-Randolph, the MWD competition started with a mile ruck run/march and ended with an explosive search by bomb dogs.
Thursday and Friday, JBSA-Lackland held a Candlelight Vigil honoring fallen law enforcement officers as members stood watch for 24 hours.
”This flame and this candle is how we pay tribute to our fallen officers all over the world.” said Hinson.
Ending the celebration, a ceremony, ruck march and a BBQ were held at JBSA-Camp Bullis on Friday May 18.
In addition to these festivities, the 902nd Security Forces Squadron held a community event outside the Main Base Exchange on JBSA-Randolph Thursday May 17. The event included, K9 Demos, vehicle and weapons display, Paw Patrol appearances and a speech by the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Chief Robert D. Gaylor.
“The importance of recognizing the fallen defenders for me it’s just to provide you with some perspective,” said Grocott, “Any time or any day it could be you and so it’s important for us to look back and recognize that the fallen were airmen just like us, no matter their rank, no matter who they were or no matter male, female what their duty title was… we all have the same mission”.

• Date Taken: 05.21.2018
• Date Posted: 06.04.2018 17:57
• Story ID: 278670
• Location: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, TX, US