Ellsworth recognizes National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Denise Nevins
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth Airmen, civilians and members of South Dakota's law enforcement community took time to pay homage to their comrades in arms during National Police Week May 14 through 21.

Throughout the week base defenders took time to bolster awareness of their profession through a variety of events such as a military working dog demonstration, weapons display, golf tournament, and a special retreat ceremony to honor those who gave their lives in defense of their town, city, state or country.

Master Sgt. David Banton, 28th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, said the week is a time for law enforcement agencies to gather and recognize those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

"Law enforcement is a profession carried out by unique people who are willing to sacrifice their lives day-in and day-out to make sure communities, to include their own, are safe," Banton said.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls in National Police Week. Since then, law enforcement officers have conducted activities and events to not only showcase their profession, but to honor those who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

"To me, being a defender is not a job, it's who I am," Banton added while reflecting on his profession. "One minute you're in a debate about whether a person stopped or not, patrolling streets on base, then one month later you find yourself in Afghanistan on foot patrols. We adapt to our environment, escalate or de-escalate to maintain control and we serve communities whether it's ours or in another country. But most importantly, we are professionals."