News

To Protect, Serve: Base, community to celebrate Police Week

  • Published
  • By Holly Logan-Arrington
  • Robins public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Police officers put their lives on the line every day. 

And beginning Sunday, National Peace Officer Memorial Day, and through next week, the base and surrounding communities will recognize all police officers' selfless service.

A Reveille ceremony will be held at 7 a.m. at Bldg. 905 Monday, followed by a 2.3-mile Fallen Defenders memorial ruck march.

"We'll be rucking for the 16 fallen defenders and local police who paid the ultimate sacrifice within the year," said Tech. Sgt Michael Longero, kennel master and NCOIC at the 78th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog Section. He's also the president of this year's base Police Week committee.

Robins will host its annual police officer-only shooting competition Tuesday beginning at 10 a.m. at the Perry Range in Perry, Ga.   

"We will also have various displays and demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Commissary parking Lot," Longero said. 

The displays and demonstrations will include military working dogs, various vehicles and equipment, and weapons. 

"There will also be free hot dogs for the kids and McGruff the Crime Dog will make his appearance," Longero said.

Robins will also host a Defender Decathlon. The competition, which is open only to security forces, will take place Wednesday.

"This will be an in-house competition to find the top cop testing in endurance, strength, stamina and intelligence," Longero said.  

A Security Forces sports day is scheduled Thursday.       

In addition to a retreat ceremony outside Bldg. 905 May 20, the unit will host a Police Ball at the Museum of Aviation at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the semi-formal/mess dress event are on sale now at the Houston County Sheriff's Office.

"This week is not only our week to really showcase everything we do on a daily basis, but it's a time of reflection and remembrance," Longero said.      

Editor's note: For more information, contact Staff Sgt Keyla Folsom at keyla.folsom@ us.af.mil or 478-222-1987 or contact Tech. Sgt. Michael Longero at michael.longero@us.af.mil or 478- 926-2697.