Dyess Defenders, APD celebrate National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kylsee Wisseman
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Security Forces Squadron and Abilene Police Department honored fallen Defenders and other law enforcement officers during National Police Week at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

"Police Week gives us the chance to pause and recognize the incredible sacrifices of our law enforcement professionals," said Master Sgt. David Kolcun, 7th SFS first sergeant.
"This week is dedicated to celebrating their service and applauding their devotion. They all stand ready to protect us, and we must take every opportunity to show our appreciation."

The Police Week committee that planned the events picked a softball game and thought it was appropriate to include the Abilene Police Department in this week's activities to continue building a bond that has been growing for over 15 years.

"Maj. Babbitt and I had just completed the Abilene Citizen Police Academy and thought it would only be right to start off National Police Week with a softball game against APD," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Powell, 7th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of physical security. "As part of the police week committee we wanted to include APD to continue growing a bond and in the future expanding the bond to other law enforcement agencies."

Other events that were hosted during the week were a memorial run, firing competition and a moment of silence at the flag pole to honor each defender that has made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and security of their communities and country.

"Ultimately, the week is meant to honor those who have answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice of putting their life on the line for the safety of other people," said 1st Lt. Jeffrey Canfield, 7th SFS operations officer. 

Air Force Security Forces has lost ten Airmen since 2001 in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqui Freedom and APD has lost seven defenders in the line of duty. On the last day of every National Police Week, security forces hosts a memorial to honor and a moment of silence remember each member who has laid down their life for the sake of others.

"Those who wear the badge or shield are part of a special breed," Canfield said. "These are men and women who, at one point in their lives, decided they were willing to put themselves in harm's way for the sake of others."