OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Security Forces Squadron celebrated National Police Week with a series of events to showcase their Defenders here from May 12-16.
Recon Raiders invited team Offutt members to participate in and experience various events across the base, including a military working dog demonstration, taser demonstration, a demonstration of OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray, a four-person Fire Team obstacle course challenge, 24-hour ruck march, and a golf tournament.
“Police Week is about honoring, remembering, and celebrating our fallen brothers and sisters,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Ferguson, 55th SFS commander. “The legacy of our predecessors continues with us and the next generation will serve and protect from here. There is no more appropriate place on Offutt Air Force Base to kick off Police Week.”
They commenced the week with the opening of their new campus. It consists of four buildings: a new K-9 facility, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance facility with an indoor range, and an administrative building. SFS was previously housed in an old dormitory building after the historic floods of 2019 washed away their old buildings.
“Our new Security Forces Campus represents recovery, resilience, and renewed readiness,” said Ferguson. “It is more than a symbol; it is a place of professionalism and performance. It is the new home to the biggest and best total force Security Forces Squadron in our United States Air Force.”
Members of Team Offutt came out to participate in security force’s profession of arms displays.
“The K-9 demo is designed to showcase the capabilities of the Military Working Dog,” said Senior Airman Kari McMann, 55th SFS K-9 handler. “It not only makes for a great show but also serves as a deterrent to those who may wish to cause harm or damage to personnel and property on base. When the bite matches the bark, you’ll tend to think twice.”
Some events allowed participants to challenge themselves. The four-man fireteam challenge pitted teams on a timed obstacle course featuring a low crawl, memory challenge, and endurance test.
“It’s enjoyable letting the rest of the installation get to see and feel what it’s like to go through training as a defender,” said Staff Sgt. QuinJuante Rolland. “Everyone wants to show that they’ve got what it takes to be part of the best career field in the Air Force.”
The annual observance dates to 1962 when 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.
“To the members of the 55th Security Forces Squadron, you exemplify what it means to be a defender,” said Bellevue Police Chief Ken Clary. “You walk a unique path, military and law enforcement. You don’t just uphold laws, you uphold liberty; and for that, we thank you.”