National Police Week Published May 3, 2010 By Courtesy 3rd Security Forces Squadron ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- May 9-15, 2010, is designated as National Police Week. The 3rd Security Forces Squadron and Fort Richardson Military Police members along with local law enforcement agencies will be honoring law enforcement brothers and sisters both past and present. The tradition started in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date fell as "Police Week." Since the initiation of Police Week, people from around the nation have paid tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. "This is a time that is dedicated to remember the service and sacrifice of our nation's law enforcement officers and, in the Air Force, to remember our fallen defenders," said Captain Melissa Hull, 3rd SFS operations officer. To honor those who had given the ultimate sacrifice Police Week is a time for tutelage as well as remembrance. Police Week is not only a time to remember those who fell defending others, but also to learn about what police and security forces members do on a daily basis, said Senior Master Sgt. Allen Markle, 3rd SFS operations superintendent. During the last several years, the main purpose of Police Week has been to form stronger partnerships between police officers and the communities they serve. "America always, as a country, celebrates those who sacrifice," said Lt. Col. David Briar, 3rd SFS commander. "We are celebrating those who have sacrificed. Many times they have had to respond to dangerous situations to ensure our society continues to function. That is why we celebrate them, because we ask them for their services, and they do it willingly." For some, certain events may hold more meaning than others. Staff Sgt. Daniel Braun, 3rd SFS patrolman, said his first thoughts of Police Week are of the brothers and sisters he's worked with personally along with family members that have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. "The candle light vigil, in my opinion, is the most special to me just because I've lost friends and family members in the line of duty," said Sergeant Braun. Police week is a time of remembrance and honor for those before us, said Airman 1st Class John Musacchio, 3rd SFS. "When I think of police week I think of my squadron and fellow members helping out the community and being proactive." The following events are scheduled to take place during the duration of police week: Monday 7a.m. May 10, 2010 -Flag Folding Ceremony (Base Flag Pole) Tuesday 10a.m. May 11, 2010 -D.A.R.E briefing (Base Elementary School) 5-7p.m. -Youth Self -Defense /Ident-A-Kid(Youth Center) Wednesday 11a.m.-5p.m.May 12, 2010 -Security Forces Open House/Weapons Display/K-9 Demo (8517) Thursday 3:30-5:30p.m.May 13, 2010 -Candlelight Vigil (Chapel 1) 6-8p.m.-Self-Defense class (Fitness Center) Friday 9-11a.m. May 14, 2010 -Torch Wingman/Ranger Buddy 5K Run Saturday 10a.m.-7p.m. May 15, 2010 - Parade/Battle of the Badges/Cookout For information pertaining to events during Police Week, contact Tech. Sgt. Landon Branch or Staff Sgt. Steven Martin at 552-6876/2132.