Altus AFB to observe National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Michael Fletcher
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 97th Security Police Squadron will honor fallen police officers, both military and civilian, during National Police Week, May 12-16. During 2007 alone 181 peace officers died in the line of duty. Remembered will be four Air Force Security Forces members who were killed in action in Iraq. 

"National Police week is celebrated by all U.S. law enforcement agencies as an honor to those who have fallen in the line of duty," said Maj. Joseph D'Amico, 97th SFS commander. "During Police week, the 97th Security Forces Squadron will partner with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Altus Police Department, and Air Force Office of Special Investigations to celebrate as a unified community. This special event is a prime opportunity for all local law enforcement agencies to honor our fallen heroes, foster a positive working relationship and create camaraderie with our community partners while continuing to serve and protect the public with excellence."

Monday, law officers from the 97th Security Police Squadron and civilian law enforcement agencies will conduct the 7 a.m. reveille. Military and civilian peace officers will feature static displays, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., at the base exchange to inform Airmen and families. On display will be vehicles, police equipment. There will be free crime prevention information and brochures for various age groups. 

Tuesday, from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Freedom Community Center, the Altus Police Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will brief base residents on programs, area crime and safeguards.

Wednesday, the 97th SFS offers a challenge to all to compete in the Security Forces Gut Check obstacle course, from 8 a.m. - noon on the parade field.

Thursday, observance of National Police Memorial Day. Flags at all government installations, businesses and residences are to be flown at half-staff. This is mandated by Public Law 103-322, signed by President Bill Clinton in 1994. Chaplain Lance Hoggatt will offer a memorial prayer at the 5:15 a.m. guard mount, Bldg. 130. A Military Working Dog and K-9 demonstration at the Security Forces kennels will take place, 10 - 10:30 a.m. and again from 2 -2:30 p.m. McGruff, the Crime Dog, will visit children at the base youth center at 3:45 p.m.

Friday, a 4 p.m. retreat formation of both military and civilian peace officers will be held at the base flag pole on the parade field.