Lakenheath observes National Police Week

by Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/22/2015 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England  -- President John F. Kennedy established National Police Week in 1962, to honor the men and women, past and present, who protect and serve. Fast-forward 53 years, the 48th Fighter Wing still honors the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as security forces Airmen.

The wing hosted a number of base-wide events for NPW, May 18 through 22. Some of the week's events included a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a shooting competition and a Defender's Challenge security skills competition. The week concluded with a formal retreat ceremony at the Defender's Memorial.

More than 2,000 people participated in multiple events that took place on RAFs Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell.

At the beginning of the week, tri-base area security forces Airmen competed against each other in room-clearing techniques, quick-weapons reloads and serpentine drills.

"We're happy to be out here," said Staff Sgt. Robert Short, 48th SFS Phase I orientation instructor of the shooting competition. "Trigger time is always beneficial training, and it was nice to be out here working with [RAF] Mildenhall security forces members."

The Defender's Challenge on RAF Mildenhall tested Airmen's readiness and stamina with a ruck march, low-crawl exercises, team push-ups, Self-Aid Buddy Care litter carry, and other obstacles.

"Every team that participated put forth a maximum effort," said Tech. Sgt. Casey Bennett, 48th SFS NCO in charge of supply. "It helped the defenders maintain their readiness levels and they all overcame every difficult challenge we presented to them."

Tina Barnes, one of the event coordinators and 48th SFS pass and registration representative, has worked with the Liberty Defenders for 12 years.

"As a civilian in a high-impact career field it's my pleasure to organize and execute a week that honors their dedication and sacrifice," Barnes said. "It's important to give something back to a unit and career field that gives 100 percent all the time."


Editor's Note: We observe Police Week in sync with the Ministry of Defence.