National Police Week highlights law enforcement contributions Published May 19, 2009 By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Throughout the week of May 9 through 15, law enforcement agencies across the country, including the 366th Security Forces Squadron, celebrated National Police Week. "The purpose of National Police Week is to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers and honor their sacrifice made in the protection of their community and nation," said 1st Lt. Daniel Minnocci, 366th SFS S4 logistics officer. "Sadly, since this time last year, 141 U.S. law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty." "Police week is a great event recognizing those that serve in a law enforcement capacity both military and civilian and brings the two together as seen by local Idaho law enforcement involved in all the events taking place on base during the week," said Master Sgt. Jeff Gate, memorial race event coordinator. National Police Week debuted in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation devoting May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day with the rest of the week dedicated as National Police Week. "The week offers security forces the opportunity to increase public outreach and focus on community policing while also remembering the sacrifice made by our fallen," said Lieutenant Minnocci. The week's events included a pistol competition, golf scramble, demonstrations at the base exchange, a memorial 5K race and final retreat. Event results Out of 30 competitors, the top three shooters in the pistol competition were: First: Staff Sgt. Christopher Reeves, 366th SFS Second: Deputy Charles Pickering, Elmore County Sheriff Department Third: Lt. Col. Doug Ottaway, 366th Dental Squadron Golf scramble: The 366th SFS team beat out 14 other teams to finish first. The team included Robert Henrick, Jeremy Fox, Brain Dudding and Rich Fox. Mike Adamson took the longest drive title while Derek Jarrels took closest of the pin. "Teams included representatives from the Mountain Home Police Department, Elmore County Sheriff, Citizens on Patrol, retirees and several units from the base," said Mr. Fox, the event coordinator. "It was a great representation of the Mountain Home community as a whole. The support of the community definitely impacts the morale of those who serve and protect." Memorial race: Men's 1st - Senior Airman Johannes Dias, 366th SFS 2nd - Staff Sgt. Chase Hoffman, 366th SFS 3rd - Staff Sgt. Carlos Martinez, 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron Women's 1st - Tech. Sgt. Chandra Van Staaluinen, 366th Communications Squadron 2nd - 1st Lt. Jennifer Cornell, 366th Services Squadron 3rd - 1st Lt. Tiffany McCoy, 366th SVS Team 1st - SFS (comprised of Sergeant Gates, Staff Sgt. Heath Hinton, Senior Airman Abbi Wesster and Airman 1st Class Mac Minor). "The 5k race was a memorial event for those security forces personnel killed in combat," said Sergeant Gates. "We began the race with a moment of silence and reading the names of our fallen defenders: Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson, Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy, Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton, Airman 1st Class Leebernard Chavis, Airman 1st Class Jason Nathan and Staff Sgt. Travis Griffen." The final retreat ceremony, which included a flag folding, wreath laying and guest speaker from a local law enforcement agency, ended National Police Week on a note of remembrance and honor for those who lost their lives defending others and for those who still carry on that legacy today.