Police Week unites bilateral law enforcement, honors fallen officers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airmen Jessica Lockoski
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Law enforcement agencies across the Air Force celebrate National Police Week, May 9 to 15, paying tribute to those in the law enforcement community who lost their lives while protecting and serving others.

Airmen from the 35th Security Forces Squadron observed the tradition throughout the week here, honoring the variety of law enforcement agencies serving within the local area. U.S. Navy Master of Arms, U.S. Air Force Security Forces and Air Force Office of Special Investigation special agents attended the week's events alongside Japan Air Self-Defense Forces and Japanese National Police.

"The Japanese Police, JASDF and the U.S. Navy and Air Force work hand in hand to protect the people of Misawa," said Tech. Sgt. Kristy Korchak-Campbell, 35th SFS NCO in charge of investigations. "Anytime we get to work with these groups, it only strengthens our bonds. We are a cohesive team in the realm of law enforcement - one agency here at Misawa could not operate without the other."

Although Sergeant Korchak-Campbell said language and cultures may be different between American and Japanese law enforcement, at the end of the day, they all serve for one goal - protect personnel and property.

"Whether it be an Airman, Seaman or Japanese airman, the amount of responsibility we entrust in these young men and women is tremendous," said Sergeant Korchak-Campbell, a Uniontown, Pa. native. "We trust them to protect our families, our critical resources and our lives."

Most of those entrusted with protecting and preserving are the youngest in the Air Force, she added. However, their ages have no reflection on their maturity or expertise.

"Many of our security forces Airman range from 18 to 22 years of age," Sergeant Korchak-Campbell said. "The conduct of law enforcement must be above reproach at all times, because they have the ability to make split second-decisions that could be life altering."

To aid in their quick responses, some tools of the trade law enforcement professionals are distinctly equipped with, was brought to the public's attention.

The week-long festivities included a weapons display and law enforcement vehicle displays from participant agencies at the Base Exchange, showing guests the capabilities professionals are armed with to keep the community safe.

"It is important to keep the public abreast of the weapons, weapons systems and vehicles we operate with should demanding circumstances present themselves," said Sergeant Korchak-Campbell. "It provides peace of mind to our families, letting them know law enforcement is trained with top-notch equipment and trained to react when needed."

Not only did spectators get to see weapons, they also observed the 35th SFS military working unit dogs' prowess to the public when handlers demonstrated how to take down aggressors by command. McGruff the Crime Dog made an appearance for the children at Cummings and Sollars Elementary Schools.

In addition to educating the public, competition shined through the rainy weather May 12 during an Air-Base Defense challenge at Security Hill between the 35th SFS and the Navy Information Operations Command. Four teams of four service members physically tested their strength during the competition, which included a humvee push, water canister relay and tire flip challenge.

As a finale to National Police week, members of U.S. and Japanese law enforcement honored police who made the ultimate sacrifice during a retreat May 14 at Risner Circle, complete with a three-volley salute.

During the retreat ceremony, Misawa's top enlisted security forces Airman, Chief Master Sergeant John Gammage, spoke, sharing the sacrifices of Japanese police officer, Kunihiko Miyamoto, U.S. Navy Seal Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anthony Monsoor and Air Force security forces Staff Sergeant John T. Self.

"Three heroes... three different events," said Sergeant Gammage. "One died saving someone who did not want to live, the second died protecting his teammates, and the third died trying to protect an ungrateful neighborhood.

"The best way for us to honor these heroes is to continue to protect and serve our communities, he added. " Law enforcement officers understand that at a moment's notice they may be required to give their lives so that others may live."