Police week honors those behind the shield

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE — The 27th Special Operations Wing celebrated National Police Week the week of May 15 to honor all law enforcement, both military and civilian, for the struggles they face every day and the losses they occasionally find themselves facing.

The majority of the week was an opportunity for Cannon airmen and civilians to participate in activities ranging from a pistol shootout to softball and golf tournaments at the end of the week.

“The whole week’s fun,” said Maj. Damian Schlussel, 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron commander.

“It helps the general public get more knowledge about we do on a daily basis,” said Senior Airman Aaron Wilkinson, 27th SOSFS.

Other events that were part of police week included a jail and bail, where people could “arrest” anyone in their office for a fee and on May 16, there was a formal retreat ceremony, honoring fallen police officers.

Within National Police Week, May 15 was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day.

President John F. Kennedy signed the proclamation for National Police Week in 1962, making the week’s celebration as one with more than 40 years of history.

“My father was a policeman and my grandfather was a policeman, so being a police officer just fell in line with that,” said Wilkinson.

“As emergency responders, we’re always on duty, 24/7, 365 days a year,” said Schlussel. “While other people are trying to leave danger, we’re the ones who are going in to try and quell the situation."

“There have been people that have lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Schlussel. “And it’s our chance to honor those that have, unfortunately, paid the ultimate sacrifice as part of their job."

On average, a law enforcement officer loses his or her life in the line of duty every 53 hours, with 61,000 police officers assaulted every year.

Air Force-wide, 15 Security Forces airmen have lost their lives the last 10 years.