JBER celebrates Police Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  In 1962, then President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which made May 15 Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which it fell as Police Week.

At Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, a week-long celebration is scheduled to kick off May 15, with local defenders calling jodies in a formation run around the installation.

“The entire week is geared toward honoring our fallen defenders, [Army Military Police, Office of Special Investigation and Criminal Investigation Command] agents,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Richard Robbins a training instructor with 673d Security Forces Squadron. “Everything we’re doing is to honor the sacrifice made.”

In addition to memorializing sacrifices made, events will also highlight the career field.

The unit will host a K-9 demonstration at the Joint Military Mall parking lot, May 15 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“They are a tremendous asset to our job,” Robbins said. “There are some things we can’t do without them and it’s a lot of fun to watch them. … Some people don’t know what our dogs are capable of doing. Letting them come out and see their abilities is an awesome sight and it also shows what awaits them if they ever find themselves on the opposite side of law enforcement.”

On May 17, the annual Defenders Challenge will be hosted at the Elmendorf Fitness Center at noon.

Four person teams participate in a team relay, M4 Carbine and M9 pistol assembly, and simulated suspect pursuit, among other events. All Department of Defense personnel and local first responders are welcome to participate.

“The Defenders Challenge is not just for law enforcement,” Robbins said. “We are encouraging all units on base to come out and compete. It is a physically challenging event which tests teamwork skills and shows us who’s the baddest and toughest.”

The registration deadline for the challenge is May 15.

On May 18, Security Forces, MPs and local police will showcase their marksmanship skills at the Combat Arms Training Facility in the Police Shooting Competition.

“Friday is the day we wrap everything up,” Robbins said.

On May 19 at 3 p.m. all are invited to the Security Forces Warehouse, Building 9497, as Security Forces honor fallen Airmen and Soldiers with a wreath-laying ceremony and Roll Call.

“We wouldn’t be able to do what we do if others didn’t make that sacrifice,” Robbins said. “It’s a way to show we still remember.”