Police Week recognizes law enforcers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brian Lefevere
  • 56th Security Forces Squadron
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  National Police Week, Monday through May 17, is a celebration and remembrance of law enforcement officials and agencies throughout our great nation. Every year police departments and law enforcement agencies come together to honor and remember those who have served our communities and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The week is a simple "thank you" to the officers and their families.

A joint resolution of congress declared May 15 National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week it fell in as National Police Week. It was signed into Public Law 87-726 Oct. 1, 1962, by President John Kennedy. It designates an annual tribute to all law enforcement service and sacrifice.

Throughout the week, the 56th Security Forces Squadron will host several events. The first event will kick off at 9 a.m. Monday in the commissary parking lot. This event will include the Glendale and Phoenix police departments as well as the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Demonstrations by the 56th SFS Military Working Dogs will be held alongside a 56th SFS Combat Arms display of modern weapons used in ground combat today. For families, a face-painting tent will be set up along with a special guest -- McGruff the Crime Dog. The day is a chance to view how police departments work together and the tools they use to operate. The 56th SFS will host a golf tournament Wednesday at the Falcon Dunes Golf Course for all base personnel and local police agencies.

A retreat ceremony of remembrance will be held May 16 for the 38th anniversary of the SS Mayaguez at the base flag pole. An American merchant ship was seized by the Khmer Rouge May 12, 1975. President Gerald Ford launched a rescue operation to save the ship's crew members. The 56th Special Operations Wing along with combat trained security police conducted the mission May 13. During the operation 41 Americans lost their lives, including 18 security police. There were also 44 wounded and three missing in action. In the end, the Khmer Rouge released the ship's crew.

On the last day of Police Week, the 56th SFS will host a carwash to honor fallen SF members. The event will be located at the Luke AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center rear parking lot. The Luke community is invited to join the 56th SFS in remembering all law enforcement officers who have given their lives in public service.

For more information about the week's activities, call Tech. Sgt. Tim Ogan at (623)
856-6112.