National Police Week: SFS combines forces with law enforcement peers

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Nicole Langley
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  National Police Week is a time to honor those in the law enforcement profession who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

That is just what members of Team Dover and local law enforcement agencies did last week.

May 13 - 20 the 436th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron participated in National Police Week by organizing several events for members of the Dover Air Force Base community and law enforcement agencies from around the state, in order to recognize the work of law enforcement and security forces and to raise money for Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc.

COPS is a nationwide non-profit organization that provides resources for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, provides training to law enforcement agencies on survivor victimization issues and educates the public of the importance of supporting both those in the law enforcement profession and their families.

"As a police officer, there's an obligation to take care of your own," said 1st Lt. Andrew Konzen, 436th Security Forces Squadron. "When you can give back and take care of the families of fallen officers, you do it."

The week here was packed with activities ranging from golf, softball and paintball tournaments, pistol competition, 5-kilometer race and static display.

The activities were not only a chance for security forces personnel and the rest of Team Dover to have a good time, but to raise money for COPS; the entry fees for each of the tournaments and all donations collected were donated to the organization.

"National Police week's purpose is to reflect on those who paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Master Sgt. Richard Copeland, 436th SFS. "Dover AFB's events were held to foster camaraderie between security forces and local police departments, as well as raising money to donate to COPS."

The Police Week activities held here were not in isolation. Dover AFB was one of many locations and military installations across the country that dedicated the week to recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel.

Security forces personnel also participated in National Police Week activities off base, including the Delaware Law Officer's memorial in Dover and events in Washington, D.C.

National Police Week is recognized to the highest extent each year in Washington, D.C., where law enforcement personnel and families come from around the Nation to participate in events such as the Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, COPS' National Police Survivors' Seminars and the National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service.

May 15 has been National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week containing May 15 has been National Police Week since President John F. Kennedy signed it into law in 1962.