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Sabers honor fallen security forces Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexis Siekert
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  While families are asleep on a cold night in their warm on-base houses, 52nd Security Forces Squadron defenders bundle up to keep the gate secure. They work long hours to patrol the perimeter and ensure the base is safe. Security forces Airmen do what they must, often at the expense of missed birthdays, holidays, back-yard barbeques and nights with their families. While deployed, defenders are often outside the wire conducting patrols and posting security.

National Police Week is a week-long memorial to honor the lives of the men and women who keep Americans and their allies safe and to remember those who have died in the line of duty. Spangdahlem is wrapping up this year's celebration after a string of events.

"It is too easy to get caught up in our day-to-day lives and forget how important our cops are," said Master Sgt. Brian Van Hoose, 52nd SFS resource advisor and National Police Week event coordinator from Waverly, Ohio. "National Police Week gives us the opportunity to stop and recognize those sacrifices, memorialize them and give the public a better understanding of what we do to keep them safe."

National Police Week began as Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, 1962, but has since expanded from Washington D.C. to police stations across the country.

On Spangdahlem, defenders hosted five events in just four days allowing everyone on base to take part in the celebration.

The week began Monday with more than 50 Sabers participating in a 10-kilometer Security Forces Memorial Ruck March and a retreat ceremony that afternoon. At the ceremony, readers shared the stories of fallen defenders. The rest of the week included a "Jail 'n Bail" fundraiser where base members could pay to have their friends locked up, an SF decathlon and a display for students.

While being a cop can be hard work, Van Hoose says he loves his job.

"We have to be strict, we can't cut corners or decide not to follow the rules we enforce, we work odd hours and can be stationed at bare bases, but I take pride in knowing that I protect you," he said. "You can sleep soundly knowing we are out there."
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