SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — With solemn reflection and joint-force spirit, the 375th Security Forces Squadron hosted National Police Week at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, from May 12-16. The observance honored fallen law enforcement officers and reaffirmed the defenders’ commitment to resilience, readiness, and partnerships across military and civilian agencies.
Service members, families, and civilians from across the installation participated in events that fostered camaraderie and highlighted the enduring sacrifices of law enforcement personnel.
Police Week at Scott featured an opening ceremony on Monday, followed by a ruck march on Tuesday, a golf tournament on Wednesday, and a marksmanship competition on Thursday. The week concluded with a closing ceremony on Friday, during which participants reflected on the legacy of those who serve in law enforcement—both military and civilian.
“Police Week is about remembering why we do this,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brock Howell, chief of weapons and tactics for the 375th SFS. “Whether we’re on base or off, we don’t know if we’re going home at the end of the day. This week is our way of paying tribute to those who didn’t, and those still out there grinding through eight, 12, or even 14-hour shifts.”
The events encouraged not only reflection but also operational readiness. The marksmanship competition tested precision and lethality, while the ruck march emphasized physical endurance, self-assessment, and mental toughness.
“The ruck is a great way to push yourself physically and see where your weaknesses lie,” said Tech. Sgt. Andrew Travis, an instructor with the 126th Security Forces Squadron. “It’s a good test of resilience.”
Master Sgt. Jared Klauser, noncommissioned officer in charge of training for the 126th SFS, stressed the joint-force relevance of Police Week. “We honor those currently sacrificing, those still serving, and those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “Sometimes, just getting out of the office and participating is important. It’s a selfless act—to give time and reflection on the sacrifices others are making every day.”
In addition to strengthening individual and team readiness, the week fostered deeper collaboration between military and local law enforcement.
“We need to do a better job of working together,” Howell added. “The more we build those relationships, the safer our communities will be.”
Through fitness, competition, and reflection, Scott AFB’s observance of Police Week showcased the values of unity, combat readiness, and respect for the profession of arms. It served as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of safety and security, and the unwavering commitment to those who protect and defend at home and abroad.
“Whether we wear a military uniform or a civilian badge, we share the same mission, the same responsibility, and the same commitment to the people we serve,” said O’Fallon Chief of Police Kirk Brueeggeman during the Police Week closing ceremony. “Our resilience lies not in standing alone, but in the bonds we forge, the trust we build, and the unity we uphold.”
- Published
- By Airman 1st Class Daisy Quevedo
