Security Forces, SAPD join up for National Police Week Published May 22, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Jessica Keith 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- -- Last week the 17th Security Forces Squadron teamed up with the San Angelo Police Department to recognize National Police week, hosting 14 events on and off base. Every year, the third week of May is dedicated to honoring the law enforcement professionals who have lost their lives in the line of service. This year also marks the 17th SFS 60th birthday. The week kicked-off Monday with a flag raising ceremony hosted by the SAPD and attended by a 17th SFS formation. A Military Working Dog Exhibition was held on base later that day. "We thought it was important to raise awareness of our dogs," said Tech. Sgt. Duane Long, 17th SFS unit program coordinator. "We work closely with these dogs and they are a powerful asset to any law enforcement agency." The next day, 17th SFS hosted a weapons exhibition during which they displayed every weapon they currently use. "We had to work with Lackland Air Force Base to get some of the weapons that we don't keep in our inventory here," Long added. "We demonstrated every weapon from the M-9 pistol to the M-2 machine gun." It was especially educational for members of the sister services because each branch uses slightly different weapons. For instance, the Marine Corps does not use the Mark-19, which was included in the exhibition. Later in the week a Jail-n-Bail was open to the base. Long said more than 600 Team Goodfellow members either attended or participated. Individuals were given the opportunity to pay to have someone arrested and held in a mock jail for a period of time. Some of the proceeds from the event went to the Air Force Ball committee and the rest was donated to the National Law Enforcement memorial. A law enforcement parade, consisting of more than a dozen civilian and military police vehicles was held on base Friday as a final tribute to fallen law enforcement professionals. The parade also signaled the start of a retreat ceremony in front of the Norma Brown Building. "The week is dedicated to giving tribute to the law enforcement officers, said Tech. Sgt Gregory Willingham, Charlie Flight flight chief "It is an opportunity to show support to our brothers and sisters in the law enforcement agency. I am honored to have helped coordinate this retreat." Other events that took place throughout the week included a golf tournament, 17th SFS past to present project, religious ceremonies for fallen law enforcement, fingering printing for children, a picnic, firearms competition and a social cookout.
