Security forces honor fallen during National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  For 20 years, the public law on National Peace Officers Memorial Day waited for its first celebration.
On May 15, 1982, the wait ended and not a year has gone by that the nation hasn't dedicated the entire week to the contributions and sacrifices of police officers.
Along with other Department of Defense buildings, grounds and naval vessels, Vance Air Force Base posted its flag at half-staff Monday to remember the day.
"Recognizing National Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week increases public support and awareness for the law enforcement profession, and allows those agencies to gather to promote officer safety," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Odell, 71st Security Forces Squadron kennel master. "It's also a way for us to honor and remember those police officers no longer with us."
The squadron also planned other activities with local forces, including Garfield County, the Enid Police Department and even Broken Arrow. These events included a weapons display and K-9 demonstration at Oakwood Mall Wednesday, a formal retreat ceremony on base Thursday and a shooting event at the Enid PD today. A K-9 competition will also take place on base Saturday to complete the week.
"I previously met Sergeant Odell during some bomb threats in Enid, because I'm also in charge of the K-9 unit for the Enid Police Department," said Enid PD Lt. Dean Grassino. "He contacted me for assistance in getting a firing range for the fun shoot, which I was happy to help with."
Vance and community security forces benefit from the group activities.
"In addition to recognizing people in our career field together, Vance uses the opportunity to include community forces in our week's events since we work with them often," said Master Sgt. Gary Moser, 71st SFS training manager. "This helps foster group cohesion and teamwork."
Lieutenant Grassino has been part of the shooting competition with Vance in the past, but this is his first year for being involved in the K-9 competition.
"I always enjoy being part of these events," he said. "It's good for us to make contact and share resources with other forces in the area. It's also great to be able to put a face with the names we know."
May 15 has been designated National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week containing May 15 has been National Police Week, since President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 on Oct.1, 1962. But the first National Peace Officers Memorial Day Service was not until May 15, 1982.
Washington, D.C., activities during National Police Week now include the annual candlelight vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and the National Peace Officers Memorial Day service. This year, 155 names of officers killed in the line of duty in 2005 were added to the national memorial.