Misawa honors fallen during National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 35th Security Forces Squadron celebrated National Police Week May 12-16 in tribute to law enforcement officials who lost their lives in the line of duty.

"Police week is one week during the year when law enforcement honors their fallen and makes citizens aware that every 57 hours a life is lost for perfect strangers," said Tech. Sgt. Kristy Korchak-Campbell, 35th SFS Alpha Flight, Flight Chief.

Events on Misawa Air Base throughout the week marked the celebration with the Navy Master of Arms, Japan Air Self-Defense Forces, Japanese National Police and Air Force Office of Special Investigation in attendance.

The 5th annual event at Misawa let people know how dangerous law enforcement really is.

"All too often, the accomplishments of the young men and women in law enforcement aren't recognized until they fall in the line of duty," Sergeant Korchak-Campbell said. "We need to celebrate the actions of law enforcement, both past, present and future.

The week brought awareness to law enforcement jobs, from local garrison duties to convoy duties in deployed locations.

The week-long festivities included a weapons and vehicles display at the beginning of the week. Armored vehicles from all participant services, and grenade and rocket launchers were all on display for the public to view.

A fitness challenge at the end of the week was open to all military members, DOD Employees and Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies. This included a two-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and a tug-of-war.

McGruff the Crime Dog also made an appearance for the children at Cummings and Sollars Elementary School and Edgren High School before a K-9 demonstration was held for viewers.

"He showed up with our K-9 team to talk to the students about crime and about doing the right thing all the time," said Sergeant Korchak-Campbell.

An Ident-a-Kid application booth was set up as well in the middle of the week.

"This is a useful tool that parents can use in the event their child is missing or kidnapped," said the sergeant. "It is a tool that parents can provide law enforcement officials to assist in the investigation."

Parents can add to the package by attaching hair and other photos that would assist law enforcement should the child be missing.

In addition to raising awareness, the celebration is also an opportunity to enhance community relations, explained Sergeant Korchak-Campbell.

"We can provide a positive presence in the community by highlighting some of the things we do," she said.