Police Week: Last Roll Call

Photo By Staff Sgt. Miranda Loera | A dog tag is placed on the Fallen Soldier Battle Cross during the final guard mount as part of the closing ceremony of National Police Week May 17, 2019, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. During this ceremony, members of the 4th Security Forces Squadron conduct a roll call, honoring those who have died in the line of duty by calling out their names. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airman Miranda A. Loera)  

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC, UNITED STATES

05.13.2019

Story by Airman 1st Class Miranda Loera 

4th Fighter Wing   

Honoring the past and present law enforcement is an opportunity to display pride and commemorate their efforts. The 4th Security Forces Squadron used National Police Week as a time to show respect to fallen Defenders. The observance was established to recognize local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice or have become disabled in the line of duty.

Throughout the week, events were held to bring the base together to raise awareness and pay homage to law enforcement.

The week began with an opening ceremony and an 8-mile ruck march. The participants rucked at least three miles while carrying more than 30 pounds of gear. During the week, 4 SFS’ combat arms training and maintenance personnel hosted a small-arms shooting competition amongst the members of Team Seymour. Military Working Dog handlers held a K-9 demonstration which consisted of multiple exercises routinely practiced by the handler and the dog.

The Defenders capped the week with a Defender’s Challenge and closing remembrance ceremony. The challenge fostered teamwork and team building amongst Airmen. Security Forces Airmen honored those who have died in the line of duty during the Final Guard Mount ceremony by placing dog tags on final soldier battle crosses and a final roll call is performed, repeating the names of the fallen Defenders.

Maj. Johnpaul Adrian, 4th SFS commander, highlighted the importance of recognizing those who have lost their lives.

“It’s really about taking a look at all the different people who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, who have died in the line of duty,” said Adrian. “Even those individuals who weren’t in the line of duty, their loss is still felt throughout our community. Something we need to be very cognizant of is the risk they take every day and the impact it has on them as well.”

• Date Taken: 05.13.2019
• Date Posted: 05.21.2019 15:11
• Story ID: 323295
• Location: SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC, US