HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The 66th Security Forces Squadron here will host several events May 15 through 19 as part of this year's annual National Police Week.
National Police Week pays special recognition to federal and local law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
"Since Sept. 11, 2001, there have been 14 Air Force security forces defenders who have lost their life in the line of duty, including Hanscom’s Senior Airmen Kcey Ruiz and Nathan Sartain who were assigned to the 66th Security Forces Squadron," said Senior Airman Jessica Lindblom, who is organizing this year's Police Week activities. "Each year Police Week provides the Air Force security forces community an opportunity to honor each for their service and sacrifice."
According to www.PoliceWeek.org, the weeklong recognition began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week that follows as Police Week.
To open this year’s Police Week at Hanscom, SFS officials will host an opening ceremony at the chapel gazebo at 8 a.m. Following the opening ceremony, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 102 will host a three-mile Memorial Ruck March at 8:30 a.m. at the same location. For further information on this event, contact Staff Sgt. Daniel Fox at 781-225-5616.
Later in the day, at noon, SFS personnel will host a Military Working Dog and Combat Arms Demonstration at the small softball field across from the Youth Center. For further information on this event, contact Tech. Sgt. Charles Cornacchio at 781-225-6592 and Staff Sgt. Christopher Hahn at 781-225-5634.
On Tuesday, May 16, members of the squadron will host a Softball Tournament beginning at 9 a.m. Cost to participate is $10 per person. Full teams or singles are welcome to participate. At 1 p.m., a home run hitting contest is scheduled. The cost for this event is $10 for 10 swings. For further information on this event, contact Cornacchio at 781-225-6592 or Airman 1st Class Alexandra Campanaro at 781-225-5000.
SFS will sponsor a four-person golf tournament on Wednesday, May 17. The registration will begin promptly at 7 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The cost is $70 per person, which includes green fees, a cart and a hot lunch. This event will take place at the Patriot Golf Course, located at 200 Springs Rd. and adjacent to the Veteran's Administration Hospital.
Proceeds from the softball and golf event will benefit the National Fallen Officers Memorial.
On Thursday, May 18, SFS personnel will host the second annual 24-Hour End of Watch Memorial Run at the base track in memory of fallen SFS personnel since 9/11. For further information on this event, contact Tech. Sgt. Matthew Marquart at 781-225-5633 or Tech. Sgt. Victor Portes-Garcia at 781-225-6592.
To close out Police Week activities, members of the base community are invited to attend a closing ceremony at the Hanscom POW/MIA Memorial on Barksdale Street May 19 at 3 p.m.
For information on any of the scheduled events throughout Police Week, contact Lindblom at 781-225-5633 or Fox at 781-225-5616.