National Police Week,

  • Published
  • By Jerry Osban
  • 509th Security Forces Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Every year law enforcement agencies across America honors those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety. May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week containing May 15 is National Police Week. Law enforcement agencies around America hold events from memorial services to open houses and use the week as a time to strengthen or renew the bonds between the community and law enforcement.

This year during National Police Week, May 11-17, the 509th Security Forces Squadron will be sponsoring several events around the base. These events are used to bring the base community closer together and raise awareness of the sacrifices SFS and Police Officers make to protect and serve the public. Below is a list of events times and locations of all the events, please feel free to come out and show your support for your SFS personnel.

May 11, Noon - 1 P.M., We will be kicking off National Police week with a drive through of housing with some of our vehicles. McGruff will be passing out candy to the kids that come out to see him.

May 12, 6:30 A.M. , We will be passing out blue ribbons at all gates. Blue Ribbons are a symbol of support for Law enforcement.

May 14, The SFS unit is hosting Lt. Col. Phelps and some local High School Juniors and Seniors for a tour of the unit. They will see the best SFS unit in the Air Force as they tour the kennels and armory and many other places to get an understanding of what it means to be an SFS troop.

May 15, 4 P.M., We will be going to support Sedalia Memorial Service at 5:30 P.M. During this service the names of all the nations fallen officers to include our SFS personnel that paid the ultimate price for our freedom and to protect and serve the public.

May 16, 10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., The SFS Commander will be hosting local Police Chiefs and Sheriffs for a lunch and weapons familiarization. His guests will be able to get a first hand look at some of the weapons they do not see too often but may encounter on the streets.

May 17, 1 P.M. to 2:30 P.M., The Base Exchange is sponsoring the SFS in putting on a bike rodeo in the BX parking lot. Kids will be able to get their bikes inspected for safety and be run through a small course laid out to teach them things that will keep them safe while riding their bikes. McGruff will be there to cheer the kids on as they run through the course and the BX will have a bike to give away to one lucky kid.

May 20, McGruff will visit the school during the carnival to speak to kids about safety. He will also inform the kids about the McGruff web page, which has fun activities and stories that kids can use to learn about all kinds of subject that effect their lives, like what to do when your being bullied, what to do if they find drugs or guns in there neighborhood or home.

For more info on Crime Prevention you can contact Mr. Jerry Osban at 687-4482 or email jerry.osban@whiteman.af.mil