Defenders remember fallen throughout Police Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  To commemorate local and base law enforcement, Team Aviano's own security forces participated in several events throughout the week in honor of Police Week, May 12-15, here.

In 1962, a presidential proclamation established May 15 as Peace Officer's Memorial Day and the rest of the week as Police Week.

"Police week serves two reasons," said Lt. Col. Aaron Guill, 31st Security Forces Squadron commander. "To remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and to show appreciation for all police officers and law enforcement officers that put themselves in harm's way every day to protect our personnel and bases."

Police week official began with an official proclamation and signing ceremony. Following the ceremony, a memorial wreath was placed at South Gate in remembrance of fallen law enforcement members. Later in the week, security forces members read the names of military law enforcement personnel who were killed in action at a memorial candlelight vigil.

"I think it is all about family," said Senior Airman Alexander Reneau, 31st SFS security response team member. "Police week brings us together as a squadron to remember past members who have fallen before us and to remember that they are still with us in spirit."

In addition to the memorials, is the friendly competition between the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron fighter fighters and the defenders in the annual "Battle of the Badges," and the squadrons fire team challenge.

The fire team challenge hones various skills defenders may use, to include self-aid and buddy care, weapon knowledge and marksmanship skills. These tasks are combined with various strenuous physical fitness challenges such as a PT assessment, Humvee push, tire flips and fire team pushups.

"My favorite part of police week was the fire team challenge," said Airman 1st Class Joseph Struzik, 31st SFS defender. "It challenged us physically and mentally and it made us come together as a team. It required us to use all of our skills we have learned throughout our time as defenders."

The week concluded with a squadron cookout where the results of the fire team challenge were announced and a formal retreat ceremony to signify the commencement of Police Week.