RAF Alconbury conducts Police Week Challenges

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chase Sousa
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs

RAF Alconbury hosted a series of physical challenges in honor of National Police Week May 15.

The 423rd Security Forces Squadron tested their abilities by compiling teams and challenging each other. The events ranged from strength training to team coordination exercises.

Each challenge was broken into events starting with:

Event one: Two rounds of one-minute flutter kicks, 15 push-ups and five burpees.

Event two: Timed quarter-mile run with training dummy and tactical low crawl.

Event three: Half-mile timed jerry can carry run.

Event four: Tire flipping and buddy carry run.

“In Security Forces it’s tradition to honor Police Week career wide,” said Nathan Moneymaker, 423rd SFS flight chief. “This week is a time of remembrance, at any time we could be called to give our life and this time is to remember those that have.”

This observance pays tribute to local, state and federal peace officers who have died or have been disabled in the line of duty.

National Police week started Oct. 1, 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week that follows. The flag is flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from all around the world converge on Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual “Blue Mass.” The color blue relates to the blue-colored uniforms predominantly used by the services.

Other events include a Candlelight Vigil, Wreath Laying Ceremony, National Police Survivors Conference and Honor Guard Competition. The annual event draws 25 to 40 thousand law enforcement officers, families and other visitors to attend.