In honor of those who defend

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aubrey White
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 4th Security Forces Squadron and members of the local community came together to commemorate law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

"Today we gather to show respect to the four Goldsboro officers who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Jeffrey Stewart, Goldsboro Police Department chief. "May we always honor and never forget."

The annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service was hosted by officers from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and Goldsboro Police Department at Wayne Community College campus. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which it falls as National Police Week.

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America's law enforcement community.

"It's great that we have a week out of the year to be honored and recognized for the hard work we do as law enforcement officers," said Staff Sgt. Kimberly Walton, 4th SFS patrolman. "I love serving and protecting the public. It's very fulfilling for me."

Members of the 4th SFS will host several events during the week to include the following:
Airmen and their families are invited to attend "A Snapshot of Security Forces." Several classes and demonstrations will be held at building 5005, next to the 4th SFS building, in the training classroom from May 13-16, beginning at 5 p.m. Each night a different theme will be covered to give base personnel a look into the security forces career field. Subjects to be covered include active shooter education, an interactive weapons demonstration, security forces vehicles and equipment display and a Military Working Dog demonstration.

An Elementary Excellence in Competition (EIC) M9 Pistol Shooting Match will be held on May 14, 2013, beginning with a safety briefing at the base theatre at 7 a.m. The match is open to all active duty military members and the top 10 percent of shooters will be awarded the EIC Pistol Badge.

"The opportunity to compete for the EIC badge is rare," said Tech. Sgt. Tommy Daily, 4th SFS assistant NCO in charge of combat arms. "Most people are only exposed to this opportunity once in their career."

A ceremony held in honor of law enforcement officers will take place at Heritage Park, in front of the 4th Fighter Wing Headquarters, on May 15, 2013, at 4 p.m.

"When a fellow officer dies, it causes us to stop and think more about the job we do and not to take things for granted," said Carey Winders, Wayne County Sheriff's Office sheriff. "It makes us pray more often and hug our families a little tighter. We never know when to expect to be placed in harm's way, so we must always keep alert, but even somehow that's not enough."

For answers to any questions concerning 4th SFS Police Week activities, please contact Master Sgt. Kenneth Broughman at (919) 722-2539.