Photo By Airman 1st Class Kiora Brooks | Airmen assigned to the 316th Security Forces Group gather to pay tribute to fallen defenders during the opening ceremony for National Police Week at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, May 11, 2026. National Police Week was established in 1972 and honors law enforcement who lost their lives in the line of duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kiora Brooks) see less
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Andrews honors fallen defenders during National Police Week
Defenders from across Joint Base Andrews and local security sectors recognized National Police Week, honoring the sacrifice of fallen defenders and the commitment of current defenders, through a series of events from May 11-15, 2026.
The week began with an opening ceremony that included remarks from Chief George Nader of the Prince George’s County Police Department, who highlighted the impactful sacrifice of fallen defenders.
“We honor them, not only in memory, but in action,” said Nader. “In how we serve, how we lead, how we care for one another, and as we stand united with Joint Base Andrews, we reaffirm them.”
A 24-hour memorial ruck began shortly after the opening ceremony, where military members from across the base had the opportunity to participate by volunteering for 30-minute ruck intervals. The memorial ruck served as a reminder of fallen police and defenders from across the nation.
Security personnel across Andrews hosted a series of demonstration booths highlighting their specific security knowledge and skillsets. Technical Sergeant Thomas Conlin, 816th Security Forces Squadron executive aircraft security flight sergeant, emphasized the importance of Defender Demo Day.
“I think [Defender Demo Day] just showcases the broad protection and skillsets that security forces have,” said Conlin. “When you think of security forces, especially as someone just coming onto the base, you think of the elite gate guards that are up at the installation entry control point, but there are more aspects than that. You have the combat arms trainings, the maintenance personnel, the weapons experts, and even the dog handlers, but then you’ve got the investigative aspect too. It’s just a wide array of jobs [and] specialties that we have.”
The annual warrior challenge and K-9 trials took place on Wednesday. The warrior challenge highlighted partnerships across the National Capital Region. Teams of four competed in weapons familiarization challenges, memory tests, a memorial ruck and more. The K-9 trials showcased the obedience and precision of military working dogs.
Members of Joint Base Andrews continue to recognize and celebrate National Police Week, which honors the sacrifice of past law enforcement personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. It also spotlights the condition of current law enforcement, highlighting their physical strength, grit and endurance while also emphasizing their broad security knowledge and skillsets. The week concluded with a closing ceremony, once again recognizing the fallen defenders connected to Andrews.
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