Tyndall hosts first Police Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Security Forces hosted its first annual Police Week to honor the men and women in law enforcement.

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.

"The main purpose of Police Week has been to forge stronger partnerships between police services and the communities they serve," said Major Michael Bernatt, 325th Security Forces Squadron Provost Marshal. "A large misconception from the local community is that the Air Force Police Officers are contractors, which is not the case. They are Department of the Air Force Law Enforcement Officers."

Their role is to backfill deployed security forces members that are continuously deployed down range fighting the war on terror, explained Major Bernatt.

He further explained that the Air Force Police Officers provide home-station security and law enforcement functions and bring continuity and stability to the undermanned security forces career field.

Tyndall initiated Police Week with a community event at the Balfour Beatty Community Center, May 14. The event helped provide awareness of the capabilities and dedication of Tyndall and the local police forces to the community.

The Tyndall community was invited out to meet their local and military law enforcement officers. Activities included vehicle, weapon, and boat displays, military working dog demonstrations, preventing teen bullying and National Rifle Association firearm safety. Security forces also provided a bouncing castle, face painting, and children identification stations.

Among the attendees were the Mexico Beach, Parker, Panama City, and Panama City Beach Police Departments, Florida Highway Patrol, and the Bay County Sherriff's Office.

"We raised and donated $250 to the Bay County Law Officers Memorial to be built at the Bay County Government Complex," added Major Bernatt. "We want to recognize law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement members."