Police Week honors those who risk it all in line of duty

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane M. Phipps
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs

Since 1962, the week in which May 15 falls has been observed as National Police Week. During this week, police entities all over the country host a variety of events in an effort to recognize the service and sacrifice of law enforcement members.

The 30th Security Forces Squadron is no exception, as Defenders encourage the public to step into their world May 16 through 20.

“Our events for Police Week will be held from May 16 to 20, this year,” said Master Sgt. Austin Schneider, 30th SFS logistics sections chief. This is in recognition of the service given by the men and women who, night and day, stand guard in our communities. The 30th SFS will be holding these events to recognize the ultimate sacrifice our Defenders and California law enforcement officers have made. We aim to enhance the relationships between the base, local law enforcement, and our surrounding communities. We also want to bring awareness to the capabilities of Vandenberg security forces and our local law enforcement.”

The week began with a Jail and Bail event and the annual Police Week parade, May 16 and will conclude with a candlelight vigil, May 19 and a closing ceremony, May 20.

“On Monday we held a Jail and Bail as well as our annual Police Week parade and law enforcement Technology Expo, which allowed us to showcase our Defenders, as well as local law enforcement,” said Schneider. “On Tuesday, we hosted our annual Golf Tournament, where we had more than 60 participants. The proceeds from the Jail and Bail and Golf Tournament supported both the Peace Keeper Association and the Police Officer Memorial Fund. This week we have several events the base community can come out and support. On Wednesday, we have our Warrior Challenge as well as a pistol shoot on Thursday. These events are open to both military and civilians, but do require you to pre-register.”

For many, the week is simply an opportunity to pay homage to those who already have, and those who are willing, to pay the ultimate price in the line of duty.

“Highlighting the importance of Police Week is essential to our country’s unity,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Webb, 30th SFS Standardization and Evaluation technician. “Paying tribute to our fallen comrades is the most vital piece in support of the idealistic theory of the word, hero. We see heroes portrayed in movies every day, but until you have known, worked with, or loved one – you will never understand the true meaning of ‘hero’. Let’s give these brave men and women what they deserve and honor their immense courage by making police week as important as the very conviction these men and women fought for.”

This year’s Police Week is especially poignant, as members of the community remember the latest victims lost in the fight to protect and serve.

“The most important aspect of Police Week is honoring our fallen Defenders,” said Schneider. “During this last year, we lost four Security Forces Defenders, seven California law enforcement officers and three California K9s. We will be honoring these heroes during our Candlelight Vigil on May 19, at 8 p.m. and at our Police Week closing ceremony on May 20, at 1 p.m. These events will be held at Missile V, located at the corner of California Ave. and Oregon Ave.”