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Shaw honors National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Police departments in every state honored law enforcement officers who have served and died in the line of duty during National Police Week, May 13 to May 17.

Here at Shaw there was no exception.

On May 15, in honor of those men and women, the flags across Shaw were flown at half staff.

"National Police Week is mainly to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," said Master Sgt. Eric Peterson, the noncommissioned officer in charge of operations for the 20th Security Forces Squadron here.

Everyday security forces Airmen patrol the streets, guard the gates and defend the perimeter of United States Air Force bases all over the world.

According to Peterson, the 20th SFS have had support from all over Shaw, with squadrons taking time to help honor their bases security forces Airmen.

"For the most part we patrol Shaw," said Staff Sgt. Martina Martin, a patrolwoman with the 20th SFS.

Patrolmen spend entire shifts driving around base acting as a deterrent and early response to crime.

Shaw is a fairly calm base, having only 'hiccups' every once in a while, nothing regular, nothing significant, said Martin. According to her, they mainly respond to medical emergencies and vehicle accidents.

"Shaw's quiet enough that we can train so that when something does happen, we're ready," said Airman 1st Class Amy Kinsey, a 20th SFS patrolwoman.

Each flight has monthly training and the squadron conducts exercises almost daily, added Kinsey.

Shaw's security forces Airmen stand with watchful eyes and hands at the ready to protect both the residents of Shaw and defend Air Force assets against any who would want to inflict harm upon them. Those who have made the ultimate sacrifice are honored during National Police Week and live on through the men and women who defend the gates.