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Pope, local community law enforcement come together for week-long celebration

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jon LaDue
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  He walks boldly, almost at a march and with a stern face, from the corner of the hangar. He passes by rows of others like him until he centers himself at a table. He does a right face and stands at attention for a brief second. He presents a slow, but sincere, salute. 

He is not saluting a person. He is saluting an object ... a piece of a uniform ... a hat. It sounds simple, but for everyone in the crowd, it goes far beyond that. It is symbolic of tradition and pride, but most importantly - the ultimate sacrifice. This is an example of the tribute paid to 35 fallen officers at the National Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony May 15 in Hangar 4. 

The ceremony was part of National Law Enforcement Week, in which the 43rd Security Forces Squadron hosted a week full of events in celebration of the LE profession and in memory of LE officers who have sacrificed their lives to protect and serve. The 35 names are compiled from agencies from around the region and date back to as early as 1907 and as recent as 2007. 

A total of nine regional LE agencies were represented in the ceremony that included a rendition of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, a 21-gun salute, a trumpet rendition of Taps and a district attorney as a guest speaker. The most touching moment of the ceremony was the "Calling of the Fallen." In between the speaker's podium and the audience were two tables. On each table was the official hat of each department that was represented. When an agency was called, the representative saluted the hat while each respective fallen name was read. 

"Pope hosted a meaningful and well regarded memorial. The end of the ceremony was very moving when all the moving pieces were performed," said Maj. Calvin Prouty, Fort Bragg deputy provost marshal, "People were genuinely moved by the honors given during the ceremony." 

Many officers in the hangar have devoted their lives to protect and serve. A 21-year LE veteran knew exactly how important this ceremony was. 

"The memorial service was a wonderful tribute to those who served and gave their lives for others. I was honored to be a part of this service and appreciate being asked to participate," said Katherine Bryant Fayetteville Police Department Assistant Chief. 

Usually the regional activities are held in downtown Fayetteville, but the decision to host the NLE week here came easy. 

"We thought it would be an excellent opportunity to show the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies our appreciation for their serving on the front lines to protect Department of Defense members and families every day," said Maj. James Hodges, 43rd Security Forces Squadron Commander, "This was a great way to give back to them for their sacrifices for the Airmen and Soldiers of Team Bragg-Pope." 

Although agencies were occupied with their own operations, they still found time to participate in events throughout the week. 

"This event occurred while all the participating agencies were in the height of their very busy ops tempos, yet all stopped, planned and participated in this event without a second thought and all wanted to make it the best," said Major Prouty. 

Major Hodges was glad that so many non-military and Fort Bragg law enforcement officers were able to attend the memorial ceremony, including the three elected sheriffs from Cumberland, Harnett and Hoke counties. 

"I was honored to sit with the finest law enforcement officers in America and proud to see military and civilian law enforcement members reflect together on sacrifices and losses in the line of duty. Every department was represented and every department participated fully with the event. I was very appreciative and honored," said Major Hodges. 

The week began with security forces members holding a career day. Then they were off to Pope Elementary to talk to the students, who later watched a security forces working dog demo. 

A six and a half mile ruck/run contest was held May 14. Members from different units across base trekked around the flightline and prizes were given to three top finishers. To cap the week off, a small arms competition was held at Range 1 on Fort Bragg. The event consisted of best overall pistol and rifle. There were shooters from the Fayetteville SWAT team, Aberdeen and Carthage Police Departments and the 43rd and 440th SFSs. 

A raffle for prizes donated from local businesses was held following the small arms competition raising $180 for Thin Blue Line, which benefits families of fallen LE officers nationwide. A barbecue fundraiser was also held following the ruck/run which raised money for the NLE Memorial Fund. 

The week included fun events that made it easy for officers around the region to celebrate the national observance week, but it was the NLE Memorial Ceremony that really brought each agency together to celebrate their shared mission to protect and serve and to remember their fellow LE officers before them who died doing the same. 

"The coordination between the local law enforcement, to be able to let them take their guys off the road to pay homage to the fallen of those who do this job every day, the fact that they are willing to do that is awesome. They had no problems, no complaints," said Airman 1st Class Jason Kurtzhals, 43rd SFS.