28th SFS

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -Airman 1st Class Derrick Marlin, 28th Security Forces Squadron Alpha Flight member, conducts identification checks for base entry at the Patriot Gate, Sept. 8. Ensuring only authorized access to the base acts as a first security measure to protect all base assets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marc I. Lane)

Stranger, Danger!!

(Left) Airmen 1st Class Alexandra Jackson, and Shandi Mikes, 28th Security Forces Squadron patrolmen and Scruff McGruff the crime dog interact with children at the Child Development Center at Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD., May 17. Airmen Jackson and Mikes taught the group of kid’s crime fighting techniques such as not bullying, stranger danger and safety techniques for riding bicycles. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Adam Grant)

Stranger, Danger!!

Scruff McGruff shakes hands of kids at the Child Development Center after explaining the “Stranger, Dancer” concept at Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD., May 17. Scruff McGruff explained there are good strangers such as cops, fire fighters, doctors and there are also bad strangers, if they come across bad strangers to yell “Stranger, Danger!”. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Adam Grant)

Police Week

Col. Trent Edwards, 28th Mission Support Group commander, checks his M-4 sight picture before participating in the “O-6 Shootout” competition at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May19, 2011. The competition was one of a variety of events during National Police Week, a time set aside to recognize military and civilian police professionals for their contributions to the community. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Adam Grant)

Police Week

(Left) Col. Steven Hiss, 28th Bomb Wing vice commander, Col. James Katrenak, 28th Maintenance Group commander, and Col. Trent Edwards, 28th Mission Support Group commander, stack and prepare to engage targets during the “O-6 Shootout” at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 19, 2011. The competition consisted of courses involving the use of M-4s, M-9s and shotguns. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Adam Grant)

Police Week

Col. James Katrenak, 28th Maintenance Group commander, engages targets during the shotgun portion of the “O-6 Shootout” at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May19, 2011. The competition promoted camaraderie between military and local law enforcement agencies, and was one of a variety of events which took place during National Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Adam Grant)

28th SFS to host National Police Week 2011

Published May 17, 2011
By Airman Alessandra N. Gamboa
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Airmen from the 28th Security Forces Squadron will be hosting National Police Week May 16 to 21, here, including a variety of events to foster crime prevention as well as to support and recognize those in the law enforcement profession.

The week of May 15 was designated National Police Week by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Each year during National Police Week, law agencies across the nation recognize the efforts of all law enforcement professionals by hosting events within their communities.

"This is a very memorable week for all law enforcement professionals to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," said Master Sgt. Drayton Denson, 28th SFS NCO in charge of police services. "According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund web site, more than 70 law enforcement officials have been killed this year in the line of duty."

Sergeant Denson expressed his pride for all the hard working Airmen of the 28th SFS and police across the country who risk their lives daily to keep their nation and community safe. Locally, the excellence of the 28th SFS was recognized by Air Combat Command with their award for best medium-sized law enforcement unit.

"Winning the ACC-level award resulted from the true professionalism and dedication of 28th SFS Airmen," Sergeant Denson said. "We always strive to be the best and give our community our best efforts."

Airman 1st Class Edgar Cerrillo, 28th SFS policeman, who participated in last year's annual National Police Week events at Ellsworth, said he thinks it's very important to have the opportunity to show his respect for those who lost their lives while serving and protecting others.

Free events to be sponsored by 28th SFS during National Police Week 2011 include:

· May 16: Law enforcement display tables at the Base Exchange from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

· May 16 to 20: Visits from McGruff "The Crime Dog" at base bus stops to greet children on their way to school.

· May 17: McGruff to visit the base Child Day Care center from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m., and the Youth Center from 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. to speak to children about "Stranger Danger," "Bullying," and how to, "Just Say No to Drugs."

· May 17: The law enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics will start at the BX at 10 a.m. Donations will also be accepted in the event area.

· May 19: The first 28th SFS National Police Week "Top Shot" shooting competition will be held at the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance range from 8 a.m. to noon. This event is open only to law enforcement officials and Ellsworth leadership.

· May 20: The 28th SFS National Police Week retreat ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. at the base flagpole in front of the 28th Bomb Wing Headquarters building.