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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Military and local law enforcement officers were honored for their dedication to service during National Police Week at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
The 88th Security Forces Squadron hosted a series of competitions May 15-19, testing physical and mental endurance in events that included marksmanship, K-9 obedience and the annual Defender Challenge.
Col. Christopher Meeker, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, opened Police Week during a ceremony May 15 by calling attention to the safety and security provided by 88 SFS.
“I want to take this chance to make sure you all know how much I value your service and your hard work every day,” he said. “Nobody does more ‘dirty work’ than our Security Forces Squadron. Thank you for all the things you do to take care of each other inside and outside the fence line.”
A proclamation dedicating Police Week at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was signed by Meeker, Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck and Lt. Col. Nicole Schatz, 88 SFS commander. It recognizes the sacrifice and heroism of all who serve in law enforcement.
“We recognize and honor the selflessness and heroic service provided by the men and women of law enforcement,” Streck said. “We rely on law enforcement officers to keep us safe, enforce our laws and, of course, respond in all times of crisis.”
K9 obedience competition
Six teams comprised of a military working dog and handler from 88 SFS competed in a K-9 obedience competition May 15 at Jarvis Field. The competition included an obstacle course and pursue-and-attack exercise.
The “Top Dog” award was earned by military working dog KKaun and handler Staff Sgt. Lacey Bockman. Bulit and handler Staff Sgt. Zackery Leist placed second.
Other K-9 teams that competed:
• Senior Airman Benjamin Smith and Kerry
• Staff Sgt. Dailan Gudger and Rango
• Senior Airman Kyle Runk and Misha
• Staff Sgt. Ryan Perry and Flex
Combat arms shooting competition
Eighty-four competitors from across the installation took part in a shooting competition May 16 at the Combat Arms facility. Shooters fired the M9 pistol and M4 rifle at several different targets from the prone-supported, prone-unsupported, standing and barricade-supported positions.
Competitors earned awards in the following categories:
• Top Shot: Capt. Stefan Endicott, Marine Corps
• 2nd place: Staff Sgt. Serhiy Sobchuk, Marine Corps
• 3rd place: Staff Sgt. Miguel Ramos, 88 SFS
• Top Pistol and Top Rifle: Capt. Stefan Endicott, Marine Corps
Police Expo
Local law enforcement and federal agencies joined 88 SFS at a Police Expo in the Prairies housing neighborhood May 17. Representatives from the U.S. Marshals Service and Ohio State Highway Patrol were on hand with Airmen and Marines to talk about their agencies and the work they do.
Children were encouraged to try on gear and sit in duty vehicles to experience a bit of life in law enforcement. The expo’s goal was to expose them to positive engagement with police in their local communities.
Defender Challenge
Ten WPAFB teams competed for top honors in the Defender Challenge on May 18 at the Warrior Training Center.
The timed competition consisted of teams up to five members running a circuit that included pushing a Humvee, disassembling and reassembling an M4 rifle, and a CrossFit-style challenge featuring a 1,500-meter row, 10 pullups or a 45-second flexed-arm hang, and 20 squats holding a 20-pound medicine ball.
Top finishers:
• Winner: Team Marines with a time of 10 minutes, 37 seconds
• 2nd place: Team Robles, 11:05
• 3rd place: Alpha Flight Team 2, 11:38
Ruck to Remember
Uniformed and civilian Airmen marched in a 5K Ruck to Remember on May 19 to honor Defenders who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Today, we remember those who have fallen in the line of duty,” Schatz said. “We ruck for them.”
The somber event began and ended at Defenders Grove. Participants wore memorial placards with the names and photos of fallen Airmen on their packs.
Honoring the fallen
A closing ceremony was held following the ruck march to reflect on the week’s events. A remembrance wreath was laid at the entrance of Defenders Grove while the names of fallen Defenders and officers from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and local law enforcement were read. The ceremony concluded with the playing of taps.
“We are part of a proud and noble tradition,” said Lt. Col. Christina Royal, commander of AFOSI’s 10th Field Investigations Squadron. “By your devotion to duty, you have shown yourselves to be warriors. I am grateful for your service, and I’m truly inspired by your selflessness.”
May 15 is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls is National Police Week.
| Date Taken: | 05.24.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 05.30.2023 10:50 |
| Story ID: | 445435 |
| Location: | WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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