Security forces aided by civilian police

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stephen Delgado
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  In the age of manpower shortages and constant deployments, a helping hand is always welcomed. 

The 56th Security Forces has fully trained civilian officers, who assist in day-to-day law enforcement duties, according to Master Sgt. Gerry Nunes, SFS flight chief. 

"This program began in May," he said. "We've never had civilian officers before. These officers are scheduled to attend or have attended the Veterans Administration Law Enforcement Academy, Little Rock, Ark., and have the same authority as the active-duty SFS personnel." 

Many of the civilian officers are retired from the military. 

"We are familiar with the military culture because we've spent a lot of years in it," said Rolando Gonzalez, 56th SFS civilian officer and retired Army sergeant first class. "It's a second career, and it's great to be back in a military environment. Most of my years in the Army were as a recruiter, so this job gives me the opportunity to do something different. I was a contracted Air Force security gate guard before this opportunity came up." 

Brian McManus, SFS civilian officer, is experiencing a homecoming. He spent 22 years in security forces, eight of them at Luke. 

"It's great to be back," he said. "A military base is a city unto itself. In my years in the military, I handled a variety of incidents." 

This program offers some great advantages, according to Sergeant Nunes. 

"These officers bring a lot of experience and leadership," he said. "They were great NCOs and will be an asset in helping to mentor the younger Airmen and in helping with the workload. We have more responsibilities, but fewer people, so having the civilian officers will take away a lot of worry. Plus, we don't have to worry about them deploying, or being transferred to another base. We know they will be around for awhile, so there will be continuity." 

Toby Boland, SFS civilian officer and retired Army infantry master sergeant said he is looking forward to his new job. 

"I feel my years in the infantry have given me the discipline and leadership experience to be an asset here. It is great to be contributing to the base." 

Sergeant Nunes did express the worry of funding. 

"I hope we get the funding we need in the future, so they can stay," he said. "They are part of the team, and they help to relieve a lot of stress."