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National Police Week 2008

  • Published
  • By 375th Security Forces Squadron
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  On Oct. 1, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 recognizing every May 15 as National Police Officer's Memorial Day.

Additionally, every week containing May 15 is designated "National Police Week," reserved for recognizing the dedication, fortitude, accomplishments and responsibilities of the nation's law enforcement professionals.

This year, National Police Week falls May 11-17.

Since the introduction of National Police Week in 1962, Scott Air Force Base and the 375th Security Forces Squadron has remained firm in its heritage and commitment to this important milestone.

This year, the 375th SFS is integrating the base police with various civilian law enforcement departments, agencies and personnel for several different planned events.

The Annual Sheriff's Memorial Service took place at the St. Clair County Jail in downtown Belleville Wednesday. The service is a unique nondenominational service paying final respects to all law enforcement officials who, through the course of their profession, made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives while upholding justice.

Today, the 375th SFS will hold a retreat at 4:15 p.m. in remembrance of the fallen Security Forces and Air Force Office of Special Investigations who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country during the past year. This event is open to the base public.

The largest community event will be a day-long event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 17 in the Base Exchange parking lot. Planned activities include a display of police vehicles and associated equipment with representatives from various local and state law enforcement agencies on-hand to present information and showcase their department.

The Military Working Dog section of the 375th SFS, alongside the Swansea Police Department K-9 unit, will perform dog demonstrations for the community, a crime prevention table will showcase useful information, a Fatal Vision exercise will help raise awareness about drunk driving for young and inexperienced drivers, and finally, a "Dunk the Cop" event will help raise money to support crime prevention activities such as Indent-a-Child and McGruff the Crime Dog.

To show support for National Police Week, drivers are encouraged to display blue ribbons from their car antennas from May 11-17.

For additional information concerning any of the National Police Week events, contact Staff Sgt. David Arreola at 256-6010.