AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy – The 31st Security Forces Squadron hosted a series of events during National Police Week at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 14 – 19.
National Police Week honors and recognizes the service and sacrifice of police officers across the country. During this week-long observance in May, the Wyvern community gathered for various events and ceremonies in honor of the Defenders who serve our country, defend our bases and protect our Airmen.
The origin of Police Week can be traced back to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Following this, in 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation to designate the week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week.
"Honoring our fallen defenders, firefighters and anyone that wears a badge is important," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jalen Snyder, 31st SFS combat arms instructor. "It’s nice to show that we are still thinking about them and still keeping them in our hearts, and not just forgetting that they gave their lives for the ultimate sacrifice.”
The events hosted by the 31st SFS included an opening ceremony, 5K memorial ruck, firing competition and much more. One of the more popular events, known as Guns N Hoses, was a head-to-head competition of various challenges that tested participants physical strength, endurance and weapon assembly capabilities.
“Competition builds comradery,” said Snyder. “We aren’t here to win a trophy but to show that we are in this together.”