Dover News search

Dover News

436th SFS pays tribute to fallen brothers during police week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Delaware --  Each year, between 140 and 160 police officers are killed in the line of duty leaving their families and co-workers behind to cope with the devastating loss.

May 11-17 marks National Police Week, a week to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by law enforcement officers and their families. To honor them, the 436th Security Forces Squadron hosted numerous events that brought together members of the 436th SFS and the local law enforcement community of Delaware.

Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Hoyme, 436th SFS logistics and resources superintendent, said it's great to have the departments come together during the week and give back to their fellow officers who died in the line of duty.

"This is an important time for us and a time to build a stronger relationship with our downtown community and our brothers is blue," said Hoyme. "This week and the money we raised for charity would not of been possible if it wasn't for our community support and sponsors from all over Delaware."

The 436th hosted events during Police Week that included a softball tournament, motorcycle ride, 5K run, shooting competition and The Law Enforcement Officer's Ball. The events raised a combined total of $4,300 for the Concerns of Police Survivors or COPS charity.

COPS originated in 1984 with 110 members whose mission was to provide resources to assist in the rebuilding of families and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. Today, COPS includes more than 30,000 families and has more than 50 Chapters nationwide.

Eleanor Allione, Delaware COPS chapter president, said the organization saves the lives of family members of fallen officers and the support they have received from the public and Dover Air Force Base during police week is overwhelming.

"We think the members of the 436th SFS are outstanding," said Allione. "They don't know the officers or the families that are on our walls here, but yet they go out of there way to make ensure these officers and their families are never forgotten."

The 436th SFS wrapped up police week with the Law Enforcement Retreat ceremony with local police agencies and guest speaker Lt. Col. Joel Briske, 436th SFS commander, and The Law Enforcement Officer's Ball with guest speaker Kelcy Stefansson, retired United States Park Police captain.

Stefansson highlighted The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at the ball and said this week is a time to remember the more than 20,000 officers whose names are etched into the two 304 foot-long blue-gray marble walls for making the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation.

"I am honored and very humble that I was asked to speak to this group of the law enforcement community," said Stefansson. "Even though I may be a retired officer, I still consider myself a part of the law enforcement community and I feel the need and want to contribute back to that community in any way I can."