Commemorating defenders, past and present

A U.S. Air Force Airman hands a Red Rose to a U.S. Navy sailor during a retreat ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2014. Each red rose signified a fallen Air Force defender and was placed in front of a memorial to commemorate their selfless sacrifice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Commemorating defenders, past and present

A group of U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 35th Security Forces Squadron sprint 880 meters collectively at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2015. The run was part of a Police Week challenge course involving strength, endurance and weapons knowledge tests, hosted by the 35 SFS as part of Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Commemorating defenders, past and present

A group of U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 35th Security Forces Squadron prepare to lift a box of ammunition cartridges as part of a Police Week challenge at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2015. Each box weighed approximately 30 pounds and was used as part of a lifting challenge to test strength and endurance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Commemorating defenders, past and present

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nestor Albalos, 35th Security Squadron Forces installation entry controller, lifts a 30-pound ammunition box over his head at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2015. This was part of a Police Week challenge which recorded the maximum number of repetitions an individual could lift an ammunition box over their head. Individual points counted toward an overall team score. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Commemorating defenders, past and present

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christian Willis, 35th Security Force Squadron installation entry controller, buddy drags his team partner, Staff Sgt. Raymond Burk, 35 SFS patrolman, across a set of cones as part of a Police Week challenge at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2015. Following a buddy drag, the Airmen had to perform a fireman carry across another array of cones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Commemorating defenders, past and present

A 35th Security Force Squadron member inspects the slide and barrel of a M9 Berretta as part of a weapons assembly test at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2015. As the last phase of a Police Week challenge, Airmen were timed on how fast they could assemble and function check an assortment of weaponry they are qualified to use. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Commemorating defenders, past and present

A group of U.S. Navy and Air Force service members take part in a retreat ceremony May 14, 2015, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, which honored law enforcement personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The ceremony also included distinguished guests from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, who came out to support the ceremony as part of Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Commemorating defenders, past and present

U.S. Air Force staff sergeant from the 35th Security Forces Squadron renders a salute in honor of fallen defender, Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2014. Jacobson was the first female Airman killed in the line of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the first security forces member killed in conflict since the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Commemorating defenders, past and present

A hard helmet rests on top of an M-16, with boots and roses at its base, in remembrance of fallen defenders at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 14, 2015. The 35th Security Forces Squadron alongside U.S. Navy and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members gathered to pay respect to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending their country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

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Commemorating defenders, past and present

Published May 15, 2015
By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and that week as Police Week. In commemorations, Misawa's 35th Security Forces Squadron hosted a series of events as part of Police Week, honoring Law Enforcement professionals across the globe.

The 35 SFS hosted strength and endurance challenges, a retreat ceremony to honor fallen defenders, as well as other public events. For the retreat ceremony, U.S. Navy and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members also joined Airmen to pay respect to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice defending their country. On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 58 hours. Since the first known line-of-duty death in 1791, more than 20,000 U.S. law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice. The 35 SFS thanks all those who participated in commemorating law enforcement personnel and helping plan the week-long events.