Malmstrom Defenders recognize National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The 341st Security Forces Group will be recognizing National Police Week May 10-16.

"This week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers nationwide who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others,” said Master Sgt. Gerard Ellis, 841st Missile Security Forces Squadron operations NCO in charge.

National Police week has been recognized since 1962, when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed Police Week as a national recognition week.

“Security forces Airmen play various rolls in law enforcement, safety of the public and security of national resources,” said Ellis. “It is definitely befitting that Malmstrom defenders are recognized and if possible participate the week’s events.”

Typically, Police Week at Malmstrom has various events held during the week to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement members. With the current uncertainty with COVID-19 causing a disruption to normal routine, Police Week will be altered from previous iterations of the event.

“Police week will look different this year, because typically police week is designed with a function every day to bring people together and memorialize,” said Master Sgt. William Blado, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron tactical response force flight chief. “With social distancing still in effect, it goes against the very purpose of Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week, but we have still found ways to commemorate this important week.”

Defenders will be taking part in a 24-hour ruck march, as well as concluding the week with a retreat ceremony.

“The ruck march is being conducted to honor fallen peace officers,” said Blado. “We will also be collecting canned food for donation to resupply pantries diminished due to COVID-19.”

Although the usual activities of police week won’t go on, it is important to recognize Law Enforcement personnel and the critical part they have in preserving our country’s freedom.

“It is only right that we remember, honor, and celebrate those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in these lines of duty,” Blado said.