Parade, softball all part of Police Week

  • Published
  • By Mary Lou Gorny
  • Hilltop Times editor
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  A softball tournament, a parade through Boyer Hill Military Housing, McGruff the Crime Dog, a formal retreat, a mini bike rodeo at Hill Field Elementary School and a torch run through the base are among the mix of solemn and social activities planned for Police Week, May 15-21.

Motorists coming in the South Gate will notice miniature flags in the median for every military law enforcement service member who has died in the service of their country recorded over the course of several decades.

The legislation originally signed by President John F. Kennedy designated a day to honor law enforcement officers nationwide. Base events will include several activities in which off-base law enforcement agencies are invited.

"It is a solemn occasion because it is sad to lose members of the Air Force and also law enforcement members who voluntarily put themselves in harm's way. However, it's a time for honoring them too for their bravery and courage," said Senior Airman Janey Blum.

She said it was a way to respect their mission and also celebrate the fact that Americans have this freedom because of security forces efforts both at home and overseas. "Our men and women are doing an amazing job - they're defending the other bases (both on temporary duty missions and on deployments) and protecting the other Air Force missions so we can get the job done overseas," said Blum.

Family activities on May 17 will include a visit by McGruff to the Child Development Center. Security forces will teach Hill Field Elementary students how to signal left, right and stop while riding bicycles in a mini bike rodeo. An easy obstacle course will also be set up for riders to negotiate. Stranger Danger will be taught that night at Gerrity Library on base with McGruff present as well.

A torch run from the Roy Gate to the Southwest Gate will take place on May 20 by security forces members.

A solemn assembly of all the flights involved in security forces will take place in front of Building 180 in a Retreat Ceremony on May 20, at 4 p.m. A wreath will be placed in honor of those lost while in service and Col. Randy Watts, Army National Guard who is assistant police chief of the Ogden City Police Department will speak.

Saturday, a parade will wind through Boyer Hill Military Housing beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting until approximately 9 a.m. A softball tournament near the Warrior Fitness Center will start at 10 a.m. with family activities near the soccer field. ID-A-Kid will be there to help parents with kits to help should the need arise later. Military working dogs and a weapons display will also be part of the offerings.

Said Senior Airman Heaven Coffey, 75th SFS, "It's something fun, gets everybody together and gives them something fun to do aside from working. We work crazy hours and it's a way for the squadrons to give back to us because we all get together and have fun. (All of the members of the squadrons) get together and talk and even get to know the newer Airmen that come in - we get new members all the time."

For more information on any of the events contact Staff Sgt. Michael Tanner at (801) 777-8827 or Senior Airman Shanell Granger at 586-4324.