673d SFS hosts National Police Week competition, memorial

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kyle Johnson
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The 673d Security Forces Squadron hosted an observance for National Police Week May 19 at Camp Mad Bull.

"We are doing multiple events; the first one being a competition we offered to the entire base and our civilian partners off base," said Air Force Master Sgt. Jesse Guerra, noncommissioned officer in charge of integrated defense for the 673d Security Forces Squadron. "We have two teams that came down from Fort Greely. There are five events: a tactical-vehicle pull, a team relay, individual relay, tactical shoot and a self-aid buddy care station.

"Our objective is to highlight multiple skills we use as law-enforcement professionals across the nation all in one event to raise awareness."

Some of the events were tests of physical fitness − like running a mile and a quarter holding sandbags in either Airman Battle Uniforms or Army Combat Uniforms - others were tests of knowledge in things like SABC.

"I think it's an awesome opportunity for everyone to come together, practice their skills mentally and physically, and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," said Airman 1st Class Tyler Boyer, an installation entry controller with the 673d SFS.

Though National Police Week has been an annual occurrence since President John F. Kennedy established it in 1962, the events themselves change from year to year, Guerra said.

"Every year, it changes. Last year, we did a golf tournament," Guerra said. "The year before, they did a 24-hour run. This year, it's a competition. It's unknown what we'll do next year."

The competition occupied most of the day, but after the winners were selected, everyone gathered for a ceremony honoring fallen law enforcement personnel such as Security Forces, Military Police, Office of Special Investigations and the Criminal Investigative Command.

"They've done so much to protect our lives and the lives of others," said Airman 1st Class Malik Coppedge, an installation entry controller with the 673d SFS. "There's no reason we shouldn't pay tribute to them in any way we can."