National Law Enforcement Week honors service, enhances community relations

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  McGruff greets customers as they enter the Base Exchange. Children smile as their faces are painted. Semi-automatic rifles, machine guns and even a grenade launcher lay on a table. Several people look at the weapons in wonder. One man excitedly picks up a rifle and points it toward the sky. 

Members of the 55th Security Forces Squadron held a military weapons display in observance of National Law Enforcement Memorial Week at the BX here May 15. The event allowed civilians, retirees and fellow Airmen to meet Offutt's security police and honor them for their service. 

Airman 1st Class Bill J. Zipse, an airborne mission systems specialist with the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron, said he enjoyed the event and understands the importance of recognizing the sacrifice of Offutt's security forces members. 

"Security forces are the reason we are safe and why we enjoy the freedom to do what we want to," Airman Zipse said. "They work long shifts and they don't get enough credit for what they do." 

Airman Zipse also said he always feels safe thanks to the support security forces provide. 

"No matter where I go I'm safe because of them. They also do a great job of keeping the aircraft I work on secure...you just always feel safe knowing they're around." 

Keeping people safe is a large part of the security police mission and something that was stressed during the event. 

Free DNA kits were made available to parents to help protect their children. Each kit contained a cotton swab, and small bags for hair and fingernail samples. Once a sample is placed in one of the provided bags it can then be refrigerated for up to 10 years. 

"The DNA kits are a proactive way to protect your child," said Staff Sgt. Scipio E. Cowan, non-commissioned officer in charge of community integration with the 55th SFS. 

"In the unlikely event a child is reported missing or kidnapped using, these kits can help a parent locate their child," Sergeant Cowan said. 

Attendees of Offutt's National Law Enforcement observance had the rare opportunity to handle the weapons security forces Airmen use to secure the Air Force's critical resources. The M-4 carbine rifle, M-240 and M-249 machine guns, 12-gauge shotgun and even an M-203 grenade launcher were displayed. 

"Having the opportunity to touch these weapons is pretty cool," Airman Zipse said. "I really enjoyed the grenade launcher, that was the first time I've ever handled one." 

National Law Enforcement Week is a national observance to recognize the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. It was established by Congress in 1962, and is celebrated every year the week of May 15. 

"National Police Week is about raising awareness in our communities and recognizing our fallen comrades," Sergeant Cowan said. "It also gives us an opportunity to connect with the local community so they know that the police are here for them." 

Reaching out to the community is something 1st Lt. Erik M. Martin, electronic warfare officer with the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron said he appreciates. 

"Many people have a limited interaction with law enforcement and most of the time that experience is negative," he said, "Knowing that our cops are reaching out to the community like this is truly a great thing, especially the DNA kits, making them available can really give a parent some peace of mind." 

For more information about Law Enforcement Week, visit http://www.nationalpoliceweek.com/.