Get to know your local LEOs

  • Published
  • By Christopher Carranza
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- This week recognizes law enforcement officers across the nation in honor of National Police Week with special recognition to those who paid the ultimate price.

 

On May 17, 2018, the base’s defenders gathered at the wing headquarters building for a retreat ceremony, paying tribute to all police who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

 

The ceremony was attended by defenders and their families and also the 82nd Training Wing Vice Commander Col. Scott Belanger and 82nd TRW Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Michelle Jackson.

 

Wichita Falls Police Chief Manuel Borrego also attended the ceremony and spoke to the defenders and their families.

 

“Police run towards the direction that other people are fleeing, knowing we might not make it back,” Borrego said. “We carry these burdens so that civilians don’t have to.”

 

Borrego highlighted the sacrifices made by police whether it’s in the streets of a city or on a foreign battlefield.

 

“All gave some, some gave all,” he said. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for their friends.”

 

As of 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which it falls is National Police Week.

 

At Sheppard Air Force Base, the 82nd Security Forces Squadron are the police, security and defense force. It is responsible for maintaining 24/7 law and order operations throughout the installation, from the entries and exits to the flight line and base housing.

 

The individuals known as security forces members, or “defenders,” are distinguishable by the blue beret and badge. They are charged with three general orders that are the pillars for their mission across the Air Force.

 

According to Air Force Instruction 31-118 Security Forces Standards and Procedures, the general orders that all SF members abide by are:

 

1. I will take charge of my post and protect personnel and property for which I am responsible until properly relieved.

 

2. I will report all violations of orders I am entrusted to enforce and will call my superior in any case not covered by instructions.

 

3. I will sound the alarm in case of disorder or emergency.

 

The 82nd SFS have different duties with their own responsibilities. The following individuals are examples in their respective roles.