82nd SFS honors National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 82nd Security Forces Squadron honored their defenders and fellow civilian brethren in downtown Wichita Falls during a National Police Week ceremony May 12.

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.

Under a highway overpass in stark contrast to the grey clouds swirling above the Wichita Falls Police Department, the weather appeared to complement the pensive nature of the commemoration. The ceremony itself started off with a moment of silence for fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Before the first words were spoken, even with the roar of commuters traveling across the I-44 highway, the sense of silence was palpable throughout the area.

"Just like our brethren in the past did, it's our oath that we serve and protect the innocent," said Manuel Borrego, WFPD police chief, as he took the podium. "Every peace officer that wears the badge knows the obligation and responsibility that comes with that privilege, yet we're willing to accept that burden with awareness that the next call for service could be a life or death situation."

Those words weren't lost on the Airmen in formation.

"Any day could be our last," said Senior Airman Christian Sodeman, 82nd SFS entry controller.

Maj. Kim Crawford, 82nd SFS commander, viewed the ceremony as a way for all in attendance to reflect on the unique stresses of the law enforcement career field.

"It's an opportunity for us, for everyone to come together and think about members of law enforcement agencies all across the United States that have made the ultimate sacrifice," she said.

Sodeman liked the event not only for what it represented, but the camaraderie that came with it as well.

"It's kind of like a security feeling in knowing that we have each other's back no matter what happens, he said. "It goes back to never leaving an Airman behind."

Among bowed heads and somber silence, an officer rang a bell per tradition to remember fallen officers of the law.

"Everyone always says be prepared for the worst, well they get the worst, they (police officers) have the worst everything," Sodeman said. "It's humbling knowing we can be a part of this."

During National Police Week and anytime an officer of the law lays down their life in the line of duty, they wrap their badges with a black piece of tape or cloth, never forgetting about those who paid the ultimate price for protecting and serving