JBA honors defenders during National Police Week

By Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez, 11th Wing Public Affairs / Published May 19, 2017

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11th Security Forces Group members light candles during the 29th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., May 13, 2017. This was one of the National Police Week events held to bring together law enforcement from around the world and honor past and present police officers and security forces members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez)

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Col. Troy Roberts, 11th Security Forces Group commander, speaks during the 2017 National Police Week Wreath Laying Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 15, 2017. The ceremony kicked off JBA’s police week events, which are meant to honor past and present police officers and security forces members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez)

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Firefighters stand at ease during the 2017 National Police Week Wreath Laying Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 15, 2017. National Police Week is meant to remember the fallen and honor those who serve as police officers or security forces members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez)

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Security Forces members salute during the 2017 National Police Week Wreath Laying Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 15, 2017. The ceremony kicked off JBA’s events for police week, which are meant to honor past and present police officers and security forces members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez)

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A military working dog runs to attack a decoy during the 2017 National Police Week K-9 Competition at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 15, 2017. This was one of multiple events that gave base members a chance to see first-hand some of the services base security forces members provide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez)

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Staff Sgt. Jeremy Hammer, 86th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, runs with his working dog during the 2017 National Police Week MWD Iron Dog Competition at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 16, 2017. The competition involved handlers running alongside their dogs through the trails on JBA. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez)

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A military working dog rests during the 2017 National Police Week K-9 Competition at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 15, 2017. The competition allowed military and local law enforcement K-9 handlers to display their working dog's skills through courses that tested speed, power and teamwork. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez)

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Military and local law enforcement K-9 handlers stand with their working dogs before the 2017 National Police Week military working dog Iron Dog Competition at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 16, 2017. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which made May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week of Police Week. This is a time to honor and thank the law enforcement officers who serve for their dedication and service to the community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez)

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Senior Airman Sabastian Velasquez, 11th Security Support Squadron military working dog handler, acts as a decoy during the 2017 National Police Week K-9 Competition at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 15, 2017. This was one of the NPW events that allowed base members to see first-hand some of the services security forces members provide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez)

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Scott Frazer, Defense Intelligence Agency K-9 handler, carries his dog during the 2017 National Police Week Military Working Dog Iron Dog Competition at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 16, 2017. The competition took dogs and handlers on a 5K trot through the trails on base. This was one of multiple events meant to honor and thank the law enforcement officers who serve for their dedication and service to local communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez)

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Joint Base Andrews honored past and present law enforcement personnel during National Police Week, May 15 - May 21, 2017, with a series of events and celebrations on base.

“This is a time for the nation to pause and give recognition for all the first responders serving in the communities,” said Master Sgt. Brian Flanagan, 11th Security Forces Squadron flight chief.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which made May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week of National Police Week.

The base events in honor of NPW included a wreath laying ceremony, K-9 competition, military working dog iron dog competition, golf tournament, shooting competition and appreciation cookout.

The events allowed JBA members to see first-hand some of the services security forces members provide.

One of the events was the 29th Annual Candle Light Vigil in Washington, D.C., May 13.

This candle light vigil provided a unique opportunity for law enforcement members from across the nation to honor those who were killed in the line of duty.

“It was humbling to be involved in the candlelight vigil and witness all the support for law enforcement,” said Staff Sgt. James Ravenscraft, 11th Security Forces Group standardization and evaluation member. “I have so much respect for the officers and defenders who have risked their lives to protect their communities and this country. Being in law enforcement is demanding, but this job has a lot of satisfaction helping the community and knowing you’ve made a difference.”