Police Week honors fallen comrades

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keith James
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  In honor of more than two dozen fallen comrades in the past decade, the 18th Security Forces Squadron hosted a week of community events for National Police Week here May 12-16.

Every year, the 18th SFS continues the tradition of hosting Police Week to remember those who gave their lives in the defense of the nation and to those who dedicate their lives to protect the ones they love.

"Police Week allows us to honor the fallen police officers who have given their lives in service," Lt. Col. Kathy Jordan, 18th Security Forces Squadron commander, said. "It is also an opportunity for us to reach out to the families who were left behind and let them know that they are also not forgotten."

This year's event started off with a "boots and utes" run with fellow military police from other sister services on May 12, and continued with a Defenders Challenge the following day.

The Defenders Challenge tested the physical and mental capability of team members in a variety of timed skilled events designed to push the participants to work together to complete each obstacle presented to them. This year's Defenders Challenge included members of various squadrons here, taking part in live ammunition firing and components of the United States Marine Corps physical fitness test all while in the rain.

"Every year we conduct morale building, team building events such as the Defenders Challenge," Senior Airman Brandon Spears, 18th Security Forces Squadron desk sergeant, said. "This year we brought in squadrons from other career fields to experience certain training aspects of our own career field to reach a wider variety of participants not just other military police members."

Runners wielded a burning torch during the 24-hour vigil run at Marek Park, to honor all those who served before them, which would later be presented and put out as attribute to the fallen comrades at memorial service day.

The memorial service was the final Police Week event. The 18th SFS paid respect by reciting the United States Air Force Security Forces Squadron creed, reading off each of the fallen member's name, firing of arms salute, and yielded a speech as a final tribute, to each and every member who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country and allowed for military police members stationed on Okinawa to pay their final respects. "It develops an appreciation for what is being done on a regular basis in law enforcement," said Spears. "The memorial service is just our way of honoring them for their service and remembering for what they have done for those who serve today."