Respect, honor, remember: 82nd SFS honors Nat'l Police Week

Wichita Falls, Texas, Mayor Glenn Barham, reads a proclamation for Police Week at a ceremony outside the Wichita Falls police department, May 11, 2015. The ceremony paid tribute to police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, leadership and 82nd Training Wing Security Forces members partnered with the local police and sheriff departments during this ceremony to show their support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Gese/Released)

Respect, honor, remember: 82nd SFS honors Nat'l Police Week

Wichita Falls, Texas, police officers stand around a memorial for officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty at the Wichita Falls police department, May 11, 2015. The local police and sheriff departments of Wichita County honored their sacrifice alongside Sheppard Air Force Base, security police, during their opening ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Gese/Released)

Respect, honor, remember: 82nd SFS honors Nat'l Police Week

Wichita Falls, Texas, police officers raise the U.S. and Texas flags during a Police Week ceremony at the Wichita Falls police department, May 11, 2015. During the raising of the flags, TAPS was played in respect for officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Former President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as National Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Gese/Released)

Respect, honor, remember: 82nd SFS honors Nat’l Police Week

Airmen from the 82nd Training Wing attend a retreat ceremony with officers from the Wichita Falls Police Department at Sheppard AFB, Texas, May 15, 2015. May 15 is dedicated as National Peace Officers Day and is recognized in both the military and civilian communities. The week this remembrance day falls in is also known as National Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Gese/Released)

Respect, honor, remember: 82nd SFS honors Nat’l Police Week

The 82nd Training Wing Security Forces Airmen and officers from the Wichita Falls Police Department salute the lowering of the U.S. flag during the National Police Week retreat ceremony at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, May 15, 2015. Although National Police Week honors those who gave their life in the line of duty, it also honors the sacrifices police make to ensure the safety of others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Gese/Released)

Respect, honor, remember: 82nd SFS honors Nat’l Police Week

Airman Brian Smith, 365th Training Squadron flag bearer, (middle), folds flag with Airman Sean Luth, 361st Training Squadron, (left), and Airman 1st Class Heather Clapp, 365th TRS, (right), both flag security detail Airmen during the National Police Week retreat ceremony at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, May 15, 2015. The 82nd Training Wing Airmen collaborated with the local Wichita Falls Police department to honor all officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Gese/Released)

Respect, honor, remember: 82nd SFS honors Nat’l Police Week

U.S. Air Force flag security detail Airmen present the U.S. flag to U.S. Air Force Capt. Yonca Nice, 82nd Security Forces Squadron flight commander, in the National Police Week retreat ceremony with the Wichita Falls Police Department at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, May 15, 2015. A report from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund states that 126 police officers were killed in the line of duty in 2014. The retreat ceremony was dedicated to honoring those fallen officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Gese/Released)

Respect, honor, remember: 82nd SFS honors Nat’l Police Week

Published May 12, 2015
By Senior Airman Robert L. McIlrath
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A black strip of tape over a police officer's badge might seem strange to some, but for those who wear the badge, it symbolizes something of great significance.

The 82nd Security Forces Squadron honored their defenders and fellow civilian law enforcement in downtown Wichita Falls, Texas, during a National Police Week ceremony May 11, 2015.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.

"Police week is a national celebration of police officers and the sacrifices they make on a daily basis that often go unthanked," said Staff Sgt. Scott Williams, 82nd SFS NCO in charge of investigation. "It's a good opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate what they do."

The black strip worn across the badge is known as a mourning band, it symbolizes remembrance and mourning for police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

In 2014, 126 police officers made the ultimate sacrifice, according to npr.org.

"A lot of sacrifices have been made to keep the community and people in it safe," Williams said.

Throughout the week, the 82nd SFS along with local authorities will be holding multiple events to celebrate the profession of law enforcement.

Events include an information fair, 5k memorial run, bowling tournament and a retreat ceremony to close out the week.

"I'm excited about the info fair because it gives us a chance to show the community what we do on a daily basis," said Tech. Sgt. William Pleasants, NCO in charge of standardization and evaluations. "It's a good way for us to get out there and say 'hey, we're your local friendly police.'"

Base defenders as well as local law enforcement are set to attend the retreat ceremony at the base flagpole.

"We've invited local police within a 50 mile radius to attend," Williams said. "It signals the closing out of police week."

By holding events throughout the week and recognizing the sacrifices made by law enforcement, it gives the Wichita community and Sheppard Airmen a chance to strengthen the bond between base and community.