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McConnell patrolman wins AF Civilian of the Year award

  • Published
  • By Airman Jenna K. Caldwell
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  A member of the 22nd Security Forces Squadron earned the Air Force Security Forces Civilian of the Year.

Shawn Kennedy, supervisory police officer, received the AMC Outstanding Security Forces Flight-Level Civilian Supervisory Level Award and went on to win Air Force award level recognition as well.

Kennedy has been working with the 22nd SFS for nearly three years and has dedicated his efforts between security operations flight chief, continuation of educational efforts and community renewal projects.

"He quickly gained the trust of team members because he does what he says he will do and treats others the same way he wants to be treated," said Kenneth Chrapkowski, 22nd SFS deputy security officer and Kennedy's supervisor. "This has empowered a great team of defenders to perform at the highest of levels."

Kennedy has had a number of accomplishments as a patrolman. He guided security forces in an attempted suicide to preserve scene integrity that resulted in a saving an Airman's life. He detected illegal base entry and conducted the interview that enabled prosecution, and he expedited and facilitated response to 23 medical emergencies.

"I owe this honor to the flight that I work on and to the people I work with," said Kennedy. "My mentors here have helped me broaden the scope of how I look at things and not to stress so much about the little things."

Kennedy has not only focused his energy on duty as a patrolman but off duty as well as a student, father and volunteer in the community. He has dedicated his time towards advancement and completion of his Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice degree and homeland security certificates.

He's worked with the local community by teaming up for housing restoration projects, leading food bank programs for youth and committing time to autism awareness groups in support of his son.