JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
"National Police Week recognizes the service and sacrifice of those who serve and protect us," said Col. Brian Berthel, Chief, Security Forces for Air Education and Training Command at an opening ceremony at the Quadrangle at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston May 14.
Members of the San Antonio Police Department joined their military counterparts to check out displays of weapons the military uses and U.S. Marshal Marc Seguin talked about some of the equipment they use to carry out their duties.
President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week in 1962 to provide a special opportunity to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives for the safety of the communities they have served.
More than 21,000 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty since the first recorded police death in 1791.
During 2017, 129 police officers were killed in the line of duty, an 18 percent decrease over the 159 who died in the line of duty during 2016. A total of 51 officers have already been killed in the line of duty this year.
Other events this week include:
- Defender Challenge, May 15, 7:30 to 1 p.m. at the JBSA-Medina Training Annex. The challenge will include a ruck and run, litter carry, Humvee pull/push, fire team pushups and a shooting competition.
- Flag Football Tournament, May 16, 9:30 a.m., JBSA-Randolph Rambler Fitness Center. Team have seven players each and follow National Flag Football League rules.
- Softball Tournament, May 17, 7 a.m., JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Softball Complex. Games will be 50 minutes in length and follow JBSA intramural league rules.
- Military Working Dog Competition, May 17, 6 a.m., JBSA-Randolph Camp Talon. Competition will include ruck, narcotics, scout, control, aggression and obedience.
- 24-Hour Candlelight Vigil, 7:30 a.m. May 17 to 7:30 a.m. May 18, JBSA-Lackland. Security Police members will stand watch for 24 hours honoring fallen law enforcement officers.
- Ruck March/Closing Ceremony/Barbecue, May 18, 7:30 a.m., JBSA-Camp Bullis. Ruck march, closing ceremony, 21-gun salute and barbecue.
For more information, call 210-986-0015 or email usaf.jbsa.502-abw.list.502-sfs-workflow-owner@mail.mil.