EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 412th Security Forces Squadron observed 2024 National Police Week May 13-17 at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Police Week is a time designated to honor, pay respects to, remember and celebrate past and present civilian and military peace officers, as well as the survivors of those who make the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties. The week is observed to ensure they are not forgotten. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week.
“Police week is a special week. Not only do we memorialize our dearly departed, we have an opportunity to provide positive human interactions with our peace officers they might not have otherwise,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Gordon, 412th SFS Commander.
The Edwards community came together to honor its Defenders during Police Week 2024 with events throughout the week. The week kicked off during the official opening ceremony and then followed by a “Show and Tell” held at the Desert High School Football field in which all elements of the Security Forces Mission were displayed in booths for a six-hour event.
Next, the 412th SFS joined efforts with the Muroc Lake Golf Club for a Golf Scramble set in place to raise funds for past, present and future unit personnel via the Air Force Security Forces Association Butler Chapter. Finally, the Police Week 2024 concluded with a closing ceremony held at Base Chapel #1 with a formal final role call in which all fallen Security Forces personnel were honored.
“This week the 412th SFS had family visiting from three fallen Defenders from 2006-2020. It is important we show them the thanks we have for the price they paid for Edwards, the United States Air Force and our supremely free society,” Gordon said. “This week more than any other, if you see a Defender, Sheriff, Highway Patrolman or other Law Enforcement Agent, say please ‘thank you.’”