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Malmstrom experiences security forces life during police week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The week of May 11 marks National Police Week this year, a celebration of the accomplishments and a time to remember the sacrifices made by peace keepers across the country.

Malmstrom Air Force Base celebrated the week with a day of security forces demonstrations. Multiple agencies within the group came out to showcase their unique abilities for Team Malmstrom members.

"It's important for our children and our community to come out and see what we do just because they may not see what we do on a day-to-day basis," said Staff Sgt. Rachel Webb, 341st Security Forces Squadron pass and identification. "As long as it's a good day and nothing happens, then they may not see what we are capable of doing."

Using the same equipment they deal with daily, members of the investigations, K-9, confinement, base-side and Tactical Response Force sections taught each passersby about different facets of each job. Children were able to see how the fingerprinting process is completed and learned how to handle a baton, which they used on an Airman dressed in the classic padded "red man" suit, among other interactive displays.

"The best feeling to me is when the kids sit in our vehicles or feel the handcuffs we are issued," Webb said. "Most people will not ever get to touch a real set of handcuffs.  Sometimes we forget how important these things are and what it means to our community.  We may overlook the significance of what our equipment holds, but children putting hands on something we use every day really helps bring back the value in our responsibility as a first responder."

The week is not all about fun and exploring, however. The week carries a heavy message of remembrance for those fallen in the line of duty.

"Police Week is to recognize the service of those members that serve, and continue to serve and put him or herself in harm's way to help ensure a safe community," Webb said. "It also recognizes the sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement and the U.S. Air Force defenders."

As a capstone for the week's events, Malmstrom is scheduled to hold a combined retiree and police week retreat ceremony May 15 at the base auditorium starting at 4 p.m. All personnel are encouraged to attend and be in place 15 minutes early. For military, attire is uniform of the day, and business casual for civilians.