95th SFS honor police, fallen heroes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stacy Sanchez
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 95th Security Forces Squadron joined forces with local law enforcement to honor past and present police officers during National Police Week. 

National Police Week, held May 12 to 16, began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation to honor the men and women in law enforcement and those who have died in the line of duty. 

"Our biggest reason for hosting police week is for people to know who we are and what we do in our career field," said Staff Sgt. Melanie Slagle, 95th SFS police services noncommissioned officer in charge. "We want people to know that we are not just out there on the streets giving tickets. We want to show that security forces has an active role in our community." 

The week kicked off May 13 with a summer safety assembly at Branch Elementary School here and was followed by a tour with McGruff the Crime Dog to the Child Development Center, Base Exchange and the Military Personnel Flight.

On May 14, security forces visited the Chid Development Center, where child identification kits were handed out. 

"The Child ID Kits are for parents to have in case of an emergency," said Senior Airman Deonna Bell, 95th SFS installation patrolman. "It is important for families to have in case their child was to ever to go missing." 

A rededication ceremony of Butler Drive was held May 14, to honor the 10th anniversary of Tech. Sgt. Robert Butler's death. Sergeant Butler was killed in the line of duty here during a traffic stop. 

"We should never forget that there are men and women who put themselves in harms way," Sergeant Slagle said. "To know that we have people who are willing to give their lives up for their country is something we need to remember always." 

To honor all fallen police officers, both military and civilian, a Peace Officers Memorial ceremony was held May 15 in front of the Air Force Flight Test Center headquarters. 

"For this event, we invited local law enforcement agencies from Barstow Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Palmdale Sheriff's Department and Kern County Sheriff's Department to participate," Sergeant Slagle said. "During the event, we had 'Taps' played and a 21-gun salute for all fallen officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice." 

The week concluded with displays during the "Save A Life Tour" at hangar 1600 here May 15 and 16. The displays included weapons and Humvees as well as demonstrations from the military working dogs here. 

"These events during the week really meant a lot to me," Airman Bell said. "I come from a law enforcement family. I want my children to grow up safe and I know that police officers make a difference. This week gives us time to recognize all the officers who have lost their lives."