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Airman 1st Class Viridiana Montes, 19th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, places a flower on the hood of a police vehicle as part of a memorial ceremony May 15, 2015, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The event commemorated fallen military and civilian law enforcement officers and concluded National Police Week at “The Rock”. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Harry Brexel)

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Team Little Rock members take off at the starting line of the 5K Blue Line Run May 11, 2015, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. More than 50 Airmen from multiple squadrons supported military and civilian police by running the race, as part of National Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Scott Poe)

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Tech. Sgt. Christopher Springs, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical environmental systems lead technician, fires a 9mm during a shooting competition May 13, 2015, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The competition was one of several events held by the 19th Security Forces Squadron in honor of National Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Harry Brexel)

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Senior Airman Aaron Rivers, a 19th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, drives an all-terrain vehicle as an escort for the 5K Blue Line Run in honor of Police Week May 11, 2015, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The week included events to commemorate fallen military and civilian law enforcement officers and provided morale-building activities for participants to enjoy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kaylee Clark)

LRAFB observes Police Week 2015

Published May 28, 2015
By Senior Airman Harry Brexel
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The men and women of the United States Air Force Security Forces safeguard the gates of bases all around the world 24/7, as well as conduct missions behind enemy lines and care for others around them.

Little Rock Air Force Base, along with multiple police community partners, honored those who serve in the law enforcement during National Police Week May 11- 15.
National Police Week is held every year in conjunction with Peace Officers Memorial Day, which was first designated by President John F. Kennedy on May 15, 1962.This year's Police Week included a series of moral-building and commemorative events with eight local, state and federal police agencies.

"I have been in law enforcement for a little over ten years and I love every bit of it," said Staff Sgt. Alphonso Price, 19th Security Forces Squadron supply noncommissioned officer in charge and Police Week organizer. "One thing that is continually on my mind when working patrol is whether my fellow defenders or I will make it home at the end of our shifts."

The 19th Security Forces Squadron hosted multiple events, including a multi-agency police display, golf tournament, 5k "Blue Line" run and 9mm combat arms shooting competition. More than 350 total Little Rock AFB Airmen participated in the events to show support.

The display at the BX included multiple law enforcement agencies from the local area including Cabot, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Lonoke County and Pulaski County. The entire Team Little Rock community was invited to view the demonstration of various police vehicles as well as horse patrols.

"The media's coverage of law enforcement all over the United States has been less than favorable," said Price. "Our mission for 2015 National Police Week was to show the community who we are as a professional organization, what we do as police officers and most importantly to honor the fallen who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

The week closed with a wreath-laying ceremony that remembered fallen law enforcement heroes as well as honored those who serve today. The event provided an opportunity for 19th SFS Airmen to connect with local police partners and reflect on the dangers and sacrifices of a career in law enforcement.

Despite the many risks, multiple police officers agreed that there comes a great reward: serving and protecting Little Rock AFB and the local community.