Security Forces Airmen remember fallen during National Police Week

Airmen assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing participate in a ruck march to kick off National Police Week at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, May 12. The first day of National Police Week included an opening ceremony, a ruck march and a 24-hour memorial walk to remember defenders who have lost their lives. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eli Chevalier)

Security Forces Airmen remember fallen during National Police Week

An Airman assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing learns how to swing a baton during an event for National Police Week at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, May 19. During the event, Airmen from all around base were given the opportunity to see what it is like to be a defender. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eli Chevalier)

Security Forces Airmen remember fallen during National Police Week

A combat arms training and maintenance instructor teaches Airmen from the 48th Fighter Wing about the M249 light machine gun during an event for National Police Week at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, May 19. During the event, Airmen from around base were given the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a defender. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eli Chevalier)

Security Forces Airmen remember fallen during National Police Week

An Airman assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing shoots a taser during an event for National Police Week at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, May 19. During the event, Airmen from all around base were given the opportunity to see what it is like to be a defender. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eli Chevalier)

Security Forces Airmen remember fallen during National Police Week

Airmen assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing participate in a memorial walk at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, May 12. The first day of National Police Week included an opening ceremony, a ruck march and a 24-hour memorial walk to remember defenders who have lost their lives. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eli Chevalier)

Security Forces Airmen remember fallen during National Police Week

Published May 19, 2017
By Airman 1st Class John A. Crawford
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Defenders from the 48th Fighter Wing and 100th Air Refueling Wing Security Forces squadrons ended National Police Week with a remembrance ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England on May 19th.

“We have been celebrating Police Week for over 55 years,” said Lt. Col. Tara Opielowski, 48th Security Forces Squadron commander. “Now, more than ever, it's important to remember and honor the sacrifices that police officers make daily in order to keep us secure, to protect our rights, and to uphold the law.”

President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962 designating May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. To date more than 170 Security Forces Defenders and 19,000 US Law Enforcement Officers have been lost defending the United States and its citizens around the world.

“Many police officers, both civilian and military, have made the ultimate sacrifice and we cannot let their contributions to our way of life go unappreciated,” Opielowski said. “It's a busy time within the squadron and within the wing, but it's important we take a pause and pay tribute to the men and women who help make our freedom possible and who step in harm's way every single day in order to keep us safe.”

This year the 48th SFS hosted several events during the week, including a 7 mile ruck march, a shooting competition and a military working dog competition.

“The events of this week showcased a variety of skills and teamwork to ultimately pay respect to those of the blue line. The skills developed from hard work and training serve a purpose for more than playing games and winning awards,” said Col. Evan Pettus, 48th Fighter Wing commander during a ceremony concluding the week’s activities. “National Police Week was created to remember and honor the very real sacrifices that police officers across the nation, both civilian and military, make every day. On behalf of Team Liberty, please accept my personal thanks for your service and your sacrifice.”