Team MacDill celebrates National Police Week: Honoring the fallen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Team MacDill celebrated National Police Week with several events to commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of law enforcement officials around the world, May 12-17, 2014.

"National Police Week is important because it is a special time when we get to remember fallen officers and members," says Lt. Col. Nathan Schalles, 6th Security Forces Squadron commander. "It is also a celebration for those who are still serving."

Throughout the week, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. participated in numerous events hosted by members of the 6th SFS, starting with a tactical team shoot and skeet shooting competition followed by a 5k run, a police display at Tinker Elementary School, a golf tournament, the defenders challenge, and a "barbecue and fun" day.

Various special weapons and tactics teams throughout the Tampa area came out to participate in the events, which allowed for more fellowship with the local community.

"Events like this helps build camaraderie among the various departments and build support for each other," stated Schalles. "It also allows us to come together with our counterparts in the local community and establish new relationships with them."

More than 30 local law enforcement officers participated in a grueling tactical team shoot competition that consisted of seven teams competing in four different firing scenarios to include team shoot relay, house entry, man down and shoot, move and communicate events. The team with the lowest overall time was pronounced the winners. This year, Clearwater County special weapons and tactics team took first place in the tactical team shoot competition.

The 6th SFS wrapped up the competition with a Defenders Challenge, in which 40 defenders competed in a kayak race, ammo can lift, rifle disassemble/reassemble, a ruck march and an active shooter event. Lastly, they celebrated with a "barbeque and fun" day.

"This was an awesome week to get outside, spend time with friends, get some great exercise and have fun all while recognizing members of the police force and honoring their contributions," expressed Senior Master Sgt. Carlos Chavez, 6th SFS first sergeant.