Defenders of Team Seymour honored during Police Week Published May 23, 2016 By Airman Shawna L. Keyes 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Members of Team Seymour celebrated Police Week, May 16-20, to remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice and honor those currently serving. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that day falls as Police Week. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base hosted several events, including an opening and closing ceremony, a shoot competition, a team pain challenge, a ruck march and a military working dog demonstration. “We had a few friendly competitions and events [throughout] the week between our law enforcement members and our EOD [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] and fire department counterparts from the base,” said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Thomas, 4th Security Forces Squadron NCO in-charge of plans and programs. The week ended with a retreat ceremony to remember local fallen defenders. “National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the performance of their duty for the safety and protection of others,” said Col. Joseph Slavick, 4th Mission Support Group commander. “Police Week is a time to remember, a time to reflect on those that we’ve lost in the line of duty, but it is also a week of team building and comradeship. It allowed our law enforcement officers to rally together, compete a little bit, voice a little appreciation for each other and for those who currently serve on the front lines of law enforcement.”