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52nd SFS pay tribute to fallen brethren

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Russell Warby
  • 52nd Security Forces Squadron
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  National Police Week is a collaborative effort of several organizations dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America's civilian and military law enforcement community.

Oct. 1, 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor the federal, state and municipal officers who die or are disabled in the line of duty. He also designated the week in which Peace Officers Memorial Day falls as National Police Week, which is May 11-17, 2009 this year.

Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week are commemorated through annual ceremonies across the nation. During the last several weeks, Airmen from the 52nd Security Forces Squadron have been preparing activities to promote National Police Week and to raise awareness for their fallen brothers in arms.

"This is one time a year that we can highlight and focus on all of the achievements of all law enforcement personnel, and pay respect for those who came before and who paid that ultimate sacrifice," said Senior Master Sgt. Donald Tubbs, 52nd SFS security forces manager.

For 52nd SFS commander, Lt. Col. Paul Cairney, National Police Week hits close to home.

"Police week is important to me because it's a time to reflect on people who put their lives on the line every day," he said. "Especially if you you've lost someone in the line of duty, like I have. You never know what's going to happen on any given day."

While Colonel Cairney was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., police units responding to a bomb threat were directing traffic away from the endangered area. One of those patrolmen, Tech. Sgt. Charles Wesley Simons, was struck and killed by a motorist.

"During a subsequent investigation the question was raised 'Was this officer wearing a traffic vest?'" related Colonel Cairney. "It was discovered that he was not, but that he had given his traffic vest to another Airmen who was helping."

Police Week provides an opportunity for people to relate faces and stories with those who protect them.

"Cops are people too," said Capt. Frank Bigelow, 52nd SFS OIC of training and resources. "Police week has always been a time to share with a much larger audience exactly who we are and what we do. It allows us to break through stereotypes."

Another goal of the 52nd SFS for this year's Police Week is to raise money for an addition to the Security Forces Museum, located at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The museum honors security forces members who have demonstrated valor, heroism or meritorious service. It was last renovated in 1995. Since that time, more than 20 security forces members have been killed in the line of duty, seven from hostile forces while deployed. Museum officials want to construct a new wing to honor the security forces members who have fallen in combat and displayed courage and selflessness in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

This year Police Week will bring a number of events to Spangdahlem Colonel Cairney hopes Sabers will enjoy, but more importantly, he hopes they will gain a greater appreciation for their dedicated protectors.

"Let's have fun," he said. "It's a hard job, and we want to take time to have fun together and invite the community to be a part of the fun. And more than anything pause and reflect on what our jobs are really about."

There are a number of Police Week events taking place at Spangdahlem:
· This year's police week activities begin at 2 p.m. May 11 with a 5K run and ruck march starting at the running track adjacent to the fitness center.
· The security forces training section, along with K-9 units and combat arms instructors will visit each of the schools May 12-13 to display security forces rifle fighting and baton techniques, K-9 tricks, and combat arms weapons.
· Security forces will host its annual Jail and Bail from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 13. For $10 an hour someone can be "jailed." The individual has the option of bailing himself out for $20. In conjunction with the Jail and Bail, the Security Forces Squadron Defenders Association will host a burger burn.
· Security forces will fly the flag at half staff May 15. That afternoon there will be a full retreat ceremony in memory of law enforcement officials, both civilian and military, who have lost their lives during the past year.
· Security forces are selling breakfast burritos at the base chapel from 6 to 10 a.m. May 15. To pre-order burritos for pick-up or delivery, contact Tech. Sgt. Minde Gabel at 452-0000 or via e-mail. Cost is $3 for one or $5 for two.
· There will be a one-pitch softball tournament open to all Sabers May 15 beginning at 8 a.m. To sign-up contact Tech. Sgt. Kerry Warren at 452-6666 or via e-mail. In conjunction with the tournament, the Security Forces Squadron Defenders Association will host another burger burn.
· Throughout the week the Defenders Association will man fundraising booths at the BX, commissary and post office. One hundred percent of the donations will go to the museum. Proceeds from all other events will be split between the Security Forces Museum and the Defenders Association to defray costs.
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