SF hold a Final Guard Mount Ceremony

United States Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Richards (left) and Senior Airman Joshuah Westmoreland, 435th Security Forces Squadron, laid a wreath during a Final Guard Mount Ceremony, May 15, 2009, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Final Guard Mount is one of many events taking place in celebration of National Police Week, a solemn period each year where every officer reflects on those who have fallen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amber Bressler)

Final Guardmount for National Police Week

Members from police units in the Kaiserslautern Military Community conduct a 21-gun salute during a Final Guard Mount Ceremony, May 15, 2009, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Final Guard Mount is one of many events taking place in celebration of National Police Week, a solemn period each year where every officer reflects on those who have fallen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amber Bressler)

SF hold a Final Guard Mount Ceremony

United States Air Force Col. Neil Rader, Chief of Security Forces, takes a moment of silence during a Final Guard Mount Ceremony, May 15, 2009, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Final Guard Mount is one of many events taking place in celebration of National Police Week, a solemn period each year where every officer reflects on those who have fallen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amber Bressler)

Police Week honors fallen SF members

Published May 19, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Alexandria Mosness
Ramstein Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Rain splattered on the clipboard as Master Sgt. Charles Nanes, 435th Security Forces Squadron flight chief, read out the names of the fallen Air Force and Army security forces members during the final ceremony for police week at Ramstein Air Base.

Security forces units throughout the Kaiserslautern Military Community joined together May 11 to 15 to commemorate National Police Week with a plethora of events to honor those who've lost their lives in the line of duty.

National Police Week is a tradition that goes back 46 years. It was introduced by President John F. Kennedy, who designated May 15 as National Peace Officers' Memorial Day and the week of May 15 as National Police Week.

Throughout the country on May 15, the flag is flown at half-staff to honor those who were lost, said Col. Neil Rader, the chief of security forces of U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

Not only was the week a time to remember fallen teammates, but it also helped build on team skills, like through the relay run.

"This relay run is one of many events that we have to come together to build team camaraderie," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Billodeau, 435th SFS assistant NCOIC of police services. "At the same time, we are also honoring those that cannot be here to celebrate and take part in the events that we are having."

Laughing and cheers could be heard throughout the race, but all did not forget the reason why they were running.

"This is a time to remember all the individuals who lost their lives in the line of duty," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Neith, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron patrolman. "It is something we do to represent them. While they can't be here physically, they are in our thoughts while we run."

While Police Week remembers those who have died in the line of duty, it is also a time to learn about what security forces members and police do on a daily basis.

"Hopefully with Police Week, everyone will get a snapshot of our career field and take away something about our job," said Master Sgt. Mike Howard, 435th SFS kennel master, who participated in the golf tournament. "This is a time to honor the sacrifices, but also celebrate the job well done of security forces members and police throughout the world."

The week concluded a final guard mount May 15 to, again, honor those who were lost, but also celebrate their sacrifice.