Eielson Police Week expands awareness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shad Eidson
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Following in the footsteps of previous years, national Police Week forged stronger partnerships between police services and the communities they serve May 12 to 17.

President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 on October 1, 1962 declaring May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 15 as National Police Week. Today, National Police Week is celebrated across the country and by security forces units to commemorate and honor those who serve as law enforcement officers.

"The success of last week is the culmination of lots of hard work on the entire squadron," said Maj. Gerald Mulhollen, 354th Security Forces Squadron commander. "I'm very proud to be a member of this outstanding unit each day, but last week raised the bar a little more."

Each event had a security forces point of contact who made it a success, he said.

"There were plenty of moving parts that were placed nicely together to make the entire week a great one not only for the 354th Security Forces Squadron but for the entire Wing," Major Mulhollen said.

Each day in Police Week helped forge stronger partnerships and awareness in different ways.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Stagner organized the vehicle safety check May 12, which kicked off Police Week. Tech. Sgt. John Zuniga followed up by putting together a military working dog and baton demonstration as well as vehicle and weapons displays for the appreciation day May 13.

Not to be outdone, Tech. Sgt. Anthony Mosher and Senior Airman Brad Hickey set up for teams to compete in a combat run, push-ups, sit-ups, flutter kicks, HMMWV pull, litter carry, sprint in combat gear, and combat memory game during the warrior challenge May 14. The civil engineer team proved their warrior ethos by taking 1st place.

Not all events were on base or about security forces Airman only.

"The one day that sticks out for me was the ceremony at the Fairbanks Police Department," Major Mulhollen said.

A National Police Week Memorial Service for 'Peace Officers' Memorial Day' was held at the Fairbanks Police Department May 15 to honor Alaska's fallen police officers. Master Sgt. Shawn Cox coordinated with police departments of Fairbanks, North Pole and University of Alaska Fairbanks to ensure members from each one, including Soldiers from Wainwright, were represented. Every department was integral to the 21 gun salute as well as the ceremony formation. Security forces' own Senior Airman James Derrickson sang the National Anthem during the ceremony.

"The ceremony to honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the people they protect, was the most well done I've ever seen," he said. "Reading the names of the fallen, the 21 gun salute, the playing of taps and the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace as the wreath was laid, drove home the fact [of their sacrifice] and made it an honor to be in attendance."

To reinforce the one spirit shared by all law enforcement members, a pistol shoot competition was held May 16 at the combat arms firing range. Staff Sgt. Bradley August organized a shoot-and-move timed event to challenge seven teams including active and retired law enforcement personnel. While the competition was strong, a security forces squadron team won the event with a 30 second lead.

Police week ended May 17 with security forces Airmen participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raised funds for Special Olympics Alaska.

"Anytime people come out and donate money, the event is successful," said Master Sgt. Alex Dunsire.

Always seeking to improve, Sergeant Dunsire said the squadron is already looking into making the week better next year.