Offutt Defenders celebrate National Police Week

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Team Offutt observed National Police Week May 14 - 18 with several events including a retreat ceremony on the parade grounds.

While communities across the U.S. celebrated National Police Week in some form or another, here at Offutt, it is seen through the eyes of the defenders.

"It is a time for reflection on the sacrifices that law enforcers make on a daily basis," said Chief Master Sgt. Lawrence D. Rettele, 55th Security Forces Squadron manager. "Most importantly, it is a time to recognize and pay our respects to those that lost their lives in the line of duty."

Team Offutt celebrated National Police Week with ceremonies and activities highlighting the military police officer.

"The events we selected for Police Week 2012 are representative of the cross-functional services we provide the community we serve and work to instill pride and confidence in our law enforcement professionals," said Maj. Thomas E. Segars Jr., 55th Security Forces Squadron commander.

Functions selected for the Offutt community during police week included a weapons display to introduce the public to the tools that these brave men and women use to protect and serve the community.

"There are so many things that these young professionals must be tactically and technically proficient in that it can be overwhelming," said Rettele. "You really have to be well rounded to be a 'Defender.'"

Defenders at Offutt value more than just weapons to do their job, there was an evasion challenge that tested the mental and physical endurance of each individual but the theme was teamwork.

"We just wanted to have activities that highlighted the competencies that law enforcement professionals bring to the fight," Rettele said. "[The evasion challenge was] a way to show the team work and tactics that these young men and women are proficient in, and showcase their talents.

"Over the life of a career, [being a defender] means long hours, both day and night. [There will be] a lot of thankless jobs out in the cold and rain, during holidays and weekends with time away from family and friends," he added. "Saying all that, it is what we do, and it takes a special kind of person to do this for any length of time."

With all the physical and mental challenges of being a police officer, why would anyone want to do it?

"It all comes down to having a desire and passion to take care of people in need," Segars said.

The final event for the week was the retreat ceremony, a time-honored tradition with a solemn purpose.

"The retreat ceremony serves a two-fold purpose," Rettele said. "It signals the end of the official duty day and serves as a ceremony for paying respect to the flag."

"We [also] use the event to memorialize the fallen defenders, lest we forget," added Segars.

With all the scary events that happen in communities and around the world, it is comforting to know there are a line of defenders ready to step-in at a moment's notice.