377 SFG hosts 'Police Week' activities Published May 9, 2012 By Christopher Bailey Nucleus staff writer KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a presidential proclamation naming May 15 as "National Police Day," the day we honor police officers throughout the U.S. People soon realized that one day wasn't long enough to celebrate those willing to put their lives on the line to protect and serve the citizens. "So it grew to a week," said Master Sgt. Jonathan Cooper, 377th Security Forces Squadron. "Now it is the week that May 15 falls in and it's called National Police Week." Kirtland Air Force Base kicks off National Police Week with a static display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Hardin Field. The event is scheduled to feature Security Forces vehicles, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance weapons systems, demonstrations and a weapons safety display. McGruff the Crime Dog will be on hand to help bring awareness to child safety and resource protection. "The Red Man Suit demonstration will show how we are trained and how we use our batons," said Cooper. "We'll have the military dogs out there for people to see and our equipment will be there people to look at and ask questions about. We will also have sign-ups available for anyone who wants to participate in any of the events." Events start at 7 a.m. Monday, with a Reveille ceremony at Hardin Field. Later in the day, the Rio Rancho Police Department is scheduled to have a presentation on gang activity in Albuquerque. "This is for anyone who works on base," Cooper said. "It talks about local gang history and educates everyone on what to look for when outside the base." Other activities scheduled throughout the week are 3-on-3 basketball, softball and golf tournaments and a three-day bake sale at the Kirtland AFB Exchange, Commissary and Express stores. Proceeds from the sale will be split between the National Police Week, the United Advisory Council and the Travis Griffin Memorial Fund. Cooper said the main purpose of these events is to allow Security Forces Airmen to interact with the Kirtland community in a more relaxed atmosphere. "It gives us the chance to show that we are more than just cops," Cooper said. Other activities, such as a shooting competition and K-9 trials, allow SFS members to showcase their knowledge and expertise. "We have a lot of events planned for this week," said Cooper. "We have been working on this since March and we hope everyone who attends will have a great time. We look forward to meeting everyone." For more information about National Police Week at Kirtland AFB, contact Cooper at 846-2415 or jonathan.cooper@kirtland.af.mil.