.da_story_info span
{
color: #333333;
}
Vandenberg slated to host Police Week events
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Vandenberg members are preparing to celebrate National Police Week May 12 to May 16.
There are more than eight events scheduled throughout the week geared towards honoring not only military, but also civilian law enforcement officers.
"This National Police Week is important for all law enforcement," said Master Sgt. Javier Mendez, 30th Security Forces Squadron resource advisor and Vandenberg Police Week Chairman. "National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others."
According to the National Police Week website, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962 which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. This year, the names of 286 officers killed in the line of duty are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. These 286 officers include 100 officers who were killed during 2013, plus 186 officers who died in previous years but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now.
"We are all brothers-and-sisters-in-arms," Mendez said. "This week aims to honor the sacrifices of those officers and increase camaraderie with our local allies."
Below is a schedule of the 30th SFS's National Police Week events:
"Jail and Bail," Monday, May 12
This event will allow Vandenberg members to place your boss, supervisor, or friend in jail. Call 606-8788 for more information.
National Police week Parade, Monday, May 12
There will be a parade through Vandenberg, starting at 4 p.m. For more information call (570) 706-5123
Law Enforcement Pistol Shoot, Tuesday, May 13
This event is open to all military and Law Enforcement officers and will start at 9 a.m. and run through 3 p.m. at the Combat Arms building, building 21308. Bring your own weapon and ammo up to .45 caliber. Call 606-6694 to register.
Warrior Challenge, Wednesday, May 14
Four person teams will compete to see who is the toughest. Competition events include: a rucksack jog, JUMVEE push, litter carry and more. The events will start at 9 a.m. and run through 1 p.m. Call (805) 717-8616 to register.
Paintball Challenge, Wednesday, May 14
There will be a Paintball Field-Capture the Flag single elimination challenge from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Teams of four face off to see who has the better tactics. For more information call (805) 805-0785 POC: TSgt Simpson
Golf Tournament, Thursday, May 15
This event is open to all and will be held at Marshallia Ranch with from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 805-907-0785 for additional information and to register.
24 hour Vigil, begins Thursday, May 15
The 24-hour vigils will begin at 2 p.m. with changeover every hour at Vandenberg's Missile V. Come out and watch the men and women of the 30 SFS pay tribute to the defenders and local law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Watch the changeover sequence beginning promptly at the top of every hour, observe the memorial, or come out for quiet reflection. Please do not touch any part of the memorial or interact with the posted guards.
Candle lighting Ceremony, Thursday, May 15
Defenders names from the year 1950 through present day will be read and a candle lit in their honor at a ceremony at Vandenberg's Missile V from 8 to 9 p.m. May 15. This ceremony is open to all ages and will include a moment of silence as well as time for personal reflection.
Closing Ceremony, Friday, May 16
As we close out Police Week this year we honor the life of Staff Sgt. Todd "TJ" Lobraico, Jr., as we add his name to those who gave their lives in the line of duty during a ceremony at Vandenberg's Missile V from 1 to 2 p.m. A special firing party, horseless rider, and silent drill demonstration will take place. Parking will be at the Vandenberg Center parking lot. For more information call 605-8172.