Police Week: Honoring the sacrifice

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rhett Isbell
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 19th Security Forces Squadron honored Police Week May 14-18, 2018, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., with a series of events including a 5K, golf tournament, shooting contest, hard dog/fast dog competition, and Defender challenge.

The tradition of Police Week began May 15, 1962, established by President John F. Kennedy to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers and their ultimate sacrifice.

“Police week is a series of events we host, and the overall intent is to pay our respects to fallen law enforcement officers from around the nation,” said Tech. Sgt. Carey Tignor, 19th SFS kennel master. “We just try our best every year to go bigger and better to pay those heroes the respect they deserve.”

Police Week events were designed to represent the different challenges law enforcement officers deal with on a day-to-day basis. Base members were able to view these events and even take part in the majority of them.

“I think all of the other members on base get a really good insight into what we do and who we are,” said Staff Sgt. Kayla Rykowski, 19th SFS desk sergeant. “We’re not just a uniform walking around.”

This insight also allows individuals who aren’t law enforcement to gain a better appreciation for the fallen law enforcement officers Police Week honors.

“I think all of the events mean something on some level,” Tignor said. “We’re also able to share stories of individuals we know and have lost in the past.”

The week came to a conclusion with a barbecue that was held for the officers to allow them to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

“To me, Police Week is an opportunity to take a break and stop thinking about everything that’s stressful within our career field and really focus on what we have,” Tignor said. “Taking a second to reflect on those fallen heroes is what it’s all about.”