MacDill hosts community National Police Officers Week

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro
  • 6th Air Mobility WIng Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Since 1962, when President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, law enforcement officers and Americans nationwide have celebrated the outstanding sacrifices defenders have gone through to keep our country safe.

Following this time-honored tradition, members of the 6th Security Forces Squadron and law enforcement agencies from the Tampa Bay area gathered for a week of mentoring, competition, camaraderie and remembrance.

Starting the event-filled week was MacDill's first "Top Dog handler" competition, orchestrated by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Weaver, 6th SFS kennel master, and Staff Sgt. Shannon Hutto, 6th SFS kennel trainer.

Included in the competition were 17 Florida-wide dog teams which competed in detection, aggression and handling proficiency.

"This is an awesome experience," said Bridgett Coyman, Tampa Police K-9 officer and participant in the "Top Dog" competition. "These experiences are a great way to learn, train, and network with individuals in environments we don't usually have access to."

On Wednesday, members from the Hillsborough Country Sherriff's Office and the 6th SFS set up their annual show-and-tell event at Tinker Elementary school.

"How cool, I want to try it," commented Elizabeth Hanson, Tinker Elementary School 1st grader, as she watched a riot shield demonstration put on by Shannon Locke, HCSD detective.

Students at the exhibition were able to get up close to D'Artagnan, the HCSD patrol horse, a Special Weapons and Tactics team, Marine Patrol boats, a motorcycle patrolman, McGruff the Crime Dog and various equipment used to keep the community safe and sound.

The following day started off with a "bang," signaling the start of a community-wide security agency shooting competition. The event included 11 teams of local security agencies poised to showcase their marksmanship and training.

The competition was a huge hit, giving participants the chance to test their proficiency on state of the art weaponry, all while honing their skills in various tactics and building their community relations.

Ending the week in noble fashion, members from Team MacDill joined together for an honorary 21-gun salute, a bagpipe solo and a retreat ceremony - all in memory of those who have lost their lives while upholding the law.

"We may not have known them personally, but we can surely see ourselves in these heroes," said Lt. Col. James Zirkel, commander of the 6th SFS. "We remember their achievements, their courage and their dedication, and say thank you for giving us their all."