ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Service before self – it’s a well-known part of the Airman’s Creed. But, for police officers, it’s a motto to live by, and one some police officers have lost their lives exemplifying. National Police week will be observed May 15 through 19.
Golf Tournament
Team Robins will kick off the occasion a bit early with a Police Golf Tournament at Southern Landings Golf Course at 8 a.m. on May 12. Tech Sgt. Brandon Owens, 78th Security Forces Squadron’s noncommissioned officer in charge of Standardization and Evaluations, who is the 2017 Police Week Committee chair, said the tournament is a way to support the law enforcement community while having fun.
Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place teams.
Motorcycle Ride, Car Show and Police Expo
Robins will host a motorcycle charity ride, car show, and police expo on May 13 at 10 a.m., at the Museum of Aviation.
“Motorcycle riders will meet up starting at 10 a.m., and then depart on an approximately two-hour ride,” Owens said. “Along the way, riders will hit checkpoints and local sponsors. Concurrently, there will be a car show and Police expo at the Museum of Aviation.”
The Warner Robins Police Department, Houston County Sheriff, Georgia State Patrol, Byron Police Department and the 78th SFS will have informational booths, tactical vehicles, weapons displays, Military Working Dog demonstrations, Taser demonstrations and much more.
The 78th Force Support Squadron is also partnering and supporting us with food trucks, bouncy houses and more for families to stop by and participate.
Reveille
On May 15, at 8 a.m., Police Week will officially begin with a reveille ceremony and ribbon cutting at the Museum of Aviation.
“There will be a traditional flag ceremony to officially start Police Week, and immediately after, 78th Security Forces will have a ribbon cutting ceremony on the third floor of the museum for the new security forces display exhibit showcasing the history of security forces and honoring defenders that have lost their lives,” Owens said.
Defenders Decathlon
The week’s other events include a Defenders Decathlon on May 16 at 9 a.m. and a Lantern Memorial on May 18 at 7 p.m. at Duck Lake on base.
Due to time constraints, the Defenders Decathlon is open only to the 78th Mission Support Group.
To wrap up, Robins will hold a Police Ruck March & Closing Retreat ceremony on May 19 at 7:30 a.m.
“Security Forces will be leading a 3.5 mile ruck march starting at Luna Lodge,” Owens said. “Rucks aren’t required, however, please feel free to bring one and participate.”
A closing retreat ceremony will follow at Bldg. 905.
“Police Week gives everyone the opportunity to take a break from their busy schedules and not just to honor the fallen police officers and their families but it gives people a chance to reflect on their lives,” Owens said. “One of the best ways to honor the fallen is to learn from their experiences. If we can remember how they lived and learn from how they passed, we can try to have more desirable outcomes in future situations.”
For more information on Robins Police Week, call Owens at 478-926- 4800 or contact him via e-mail at Brandon.owens@us.af.mil.