National Police Week honors military, civilian peace officers Published May 18, 2009 By Senior Airman Stephen Musal 5/15/2009 -- They guard our gates, patrol our streets and keep us safe from harm. They protect our community, whether on or off base, because they are a part of our community. Whether they wear civilian blue or khaki uniforms, or the Airman Battle Uniform and black beret of U.S. Air Force Security Forces, our police officers are a force we should always be thankful for. Today is National Peace Officers' Memorial Day, an observance officially established in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed into law a bill creating the observance. Additionally, the bill designates the week surrounding National Peace Officers' Memorial Day as National Police Week. Goodfellow Air Force Base's 17th Security Forces Squadron joined with the San Angelo Police Department to celebrate the week. On Monday, a flag-raising ceremony was held at the San Angelo Police Department. Additionally, a Peace Officer Golf Tournament provided friendly competition. Tuesday saw military working dogs and their handlers compete with their civilian counterparts as the 17 SFS hosted a K-9 competition. The morning consisted of a Bomb and Drug Detection scenario, and while most competitors were military working dog handlers and their canine companions, drug-detection dogs from the SAPD also joined in the competition. In the afternoon, an Obedience and Agility competition was held, judging the dogs on their training and ability to obey orders. The handlers walked their canines through a variety of obstacles, and all were very well behaved. Judging the competition were Staff Sgt. Adolph Rodriquez, 341st Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; Staff Sgt. Jennifer Dean, 7th Security Forces Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Police Cpl. Michael Jordan of the Lubbock, Texas, Police Department, and Canine Handler Donald Lee of the San Marcos, Texas, Police Department. Staff Sgt. Dustin Vigil, 17 SFS, and his partner, Spidla, took first place in Explosive Detection, followed by Senior Airman George Garcia and Harry from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, with second place and Staff Sgt. Ronnie Garcia and Rocky from Goodfellow with third. Staff Sgt. Chad O'Neil and Karin from Goodfellow were awarded first place in Obedience and Agility, followed by Staff Sgt. Ronnie Garcia and Rocky with second and Officer Barry Ratcliffe and Fritz from the SAPD with third. Rocky was also named Top Dog. Staff Sgt. Jesus Gonzalez and his partner, Bak H, from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, won first place in Drug Detection, followed by Staff Sgt. O'Neil and Karin in second with Officer Ratcliffe and Fritz in third. Police Sgt. David Egger of the SAPD took first place in Patrol Apprehension with his partner, Pepper. Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Staff Sgt. Bryan Garcia and his partner, Cash, took second place, followed by Staff Sgt. Heath Conley and Beny from Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas in third place. Finally, Senior Airman Jesse Solano, 17 SFS, was awarded the dubious honor of "Best Decoy," recognizing the outstanding target for the Patrol Apprehension event. Also competing in the K-9 competition were a team from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Wednesday saw a shooting competition at the San Angelo Police Department Gun Range, providing more competition among officers in a job-related skill. On Thursday, a Law Enforcement Social and Picnic was held, providing local officers an opportunity to enjoy camaraderie. Today, an ecumenical service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, honoring those officers who have died in the line of duty. Colonel Ada Conlan, 17th Mission Support Group commander, will be the guest speaker at the service, which is open to all civilian and military law enforcement members and their guests.
