Ellsworth honors those who Serve and Protect during Police Week

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Hada
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  To recognize National Police Week and honor police officers everywhere, the 28th Security Forces Squadron conducted numerous activities centered around law enforcement May 11 to 16.

The week's activities not only provided a behind-the-scenes look into the challenging and often dangerous world of law enforcement, but showcased the professionals who devote their lives to serving and protecting the public.

President John F. Kennedy established May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962, and designated the week in which it falls as Police Week.

"Police Week is a time to recognize law enforcement professionals for their sacrifices and contributions," said Senior Airman James Bolling, 28th SFS police services coordinator and this year's event organizer. "It's also a good time to educate the public on the services we provide and to promote the camaraderie among our fellow law enforcement officers."

Staff Sgt. Nathan Warren, 28th SFS combat arms instructor and Police Week participant, expressed his pride for all the hard working Airmen of the 28th SFS and police officers across the country who risk their lives daily to keep their nation and community safe.

"It's important to [take] the opportunity to show respect for those who lost their lives while serving and protecting others," Warren said. "Police week is a great opportunity to show the local community a little bit of what they do and they make a difference."

The week's events included a military working dog demonstration, weapons display, golf and softball tournaments, 5k run, shoot house competition and a special retreat ceremony at the base flagpole.

"The 60 plus volunteers from the base partnered with the local area support ensured that this year's Police Week was a success," Bolling said. "I hope events like this help the local community to see the commitment and sacrifices the law enforcement community must make to ensure their safety."

During this year's Peace Officers Memorial Day retreat ceremony, Chris Misselt, Box Elder Police Department Lieutenant, honor the 62 from the South Dakota police officers and Security Forces defenders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

"As certain as we all stand here today, we will one day leave this calling behind," said Misselt. "Most of us will get to go home and find a new place in the world while others will give all and take their place on hallowed memorial walls. Whenever these times come, others will come forward to wear the uniforms and the badges to carry out the mission."