KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland Air Force Base is celebrating Police Week from May 13 to 19 to honor law enforcement officers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
In 1962, May 15 was officially designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day by a proclamation signed by President John F. Kennedy. It also designated the week surrounding that date as Police Week. Since then, tens of thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers have gathered together to celebrate in areas all around the world.
According to Staff Sgt. Ian Wiley, 377th Security Forces Group, Police Week is a chance for all law enforcement officials to pay respects to the officers that came before them, and also gives the local community the opportunity to support the police force as well.
“Security Forces is not only the first face you see when you enter the installation, but the individuals you run to in time of need,” Staff Sgt. Wiley said. “Police Week allows everyone a chance to come together as a community.”
The following events are planned for Police Week:
May 13 – Police Week golf tournament at the Tijeras Arroyo Golf Course starting at 8 a.m. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m.
May 13 – Police Week ruck at Zia housing at 3 p.m.
May 14 – Police Week softball tournament at the east side field at 8 a.m.
May 14 – Warrior Resiliency briefing at the Wing Presentation Center at 10 a.m.
May 15 – Police Week Community Outreach day at the Sandia Elementary School
May 15 – Police Week ceremony at Hardin Field at 2 p.m.
May 15 – Barbecue at the Security Forces Group Quad at 3 p.m.
For more information about any of the events, contact Master Sgt. Ricky Purdy at ricky.purdy@us.af.mil or Staff Sgt. Ian Wiley at ian.wiley@us.af.mil.