501st CSW security forces Airmen observe National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  Security forces squadrons across the 501st Combat Support Wing celebrated National Police Week from May 13 to 18 with events and ceremonies honoring the security forces Airmen, Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents, Ministry of Defense police officers and all other law enforcement officers throughout the world who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their countries.

Events at RAF Alconbury, RAF Molesworth and RAF Croughton were created to bring awareness of National Police Week, pay tribute to those who have died in the line of duty, and raise money for the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund. The fund operates various programs designed to raise awareness of law enforcement service and sacrifice, promote officer safety, and reduce injuries and fatalities.

Approximately 60,000 assaults on law enforcement officers occur each year and on average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere every 57 hours.

Events at RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth included: The "Amazing Race," where two-person teams competed against each other in a serious of mental and physical challenges around RAF Alconbury; "Jail and Bail at RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth which allowed people to pay for an individual to do time in "jail" at different time increments depending on the individuals rank or position, the confined individual had the opportunity to buy or "bail" him or herself out for double the price; Defenderball; a carnival at the Youth Center; and a retreat ceremony.

Events at RAF Croughton included: a 24-hour Ruck March, where teams marched around the base perimeter with rucks filled with gear; Elite Gate Guard; K-9 demonstration, barbecue; and retreat ceremony.

In the past ten years:

Security forces has lost nine Airmen: 1st Lt. Joseph Helton, Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton, Staff Sgt. Travis Griffin, Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy, Staff Sgt. John Self, Senior Airman Nicholas Alden, Airman 1st Class Leebernard Chavis, Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson and Airman 1st Class Jason Nathan.

AFOSI has lost seven Airmen: Special Agent Ryan Balmer, Special Agent Tara Brown, Special Agent Thomas Crowell, Special Agent Mathew Kuglics, Special Agent Daniel Kuhlmeier, Special Agent Nathan Schuldheiss and Special Agent Rick Ulbright.