National Police Week 2020: USAG Ansbach First Responders remain committed during COVID-19 operations
Sgt. Dylan Weiss and Spc. Jacob Schweighauser, 3rd Platoon, 527th Military Police Company, 18th Military Police Brigade, recently responded to a call for assistance by a member of our community on the A6. (Photo Credit: Maj. Adrian Foster, USAG Ansbach DES director) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANSBACH, Germany (May 12, 2020) – Each year, law enforcement officers, survivors, and supporters gather to celebrate National Police Week. Established in 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation, designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The week in which that date falls is known as National Police Week.

“Although the extraordinary times we are operating in prohibit large ceremonies and other events, it is extremely important to recognize those currently serving and honor the memory of those that paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to others,” said Maj. Adrian Foster, U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Ansbach Director of Emergency Services.

Each day, the Directorate of Emergency Service (DES) remains committed to protecting the Ansbach and Illesheim communities with professionalism and pride. Whether conducting daily administrative tasks, helping individuals in need, responding to traffic accidents, serious medical emergencies, or working in cooperation with our host nation partners, the dedicated men and women of law enforcement, physical security and fire and emergency services, do it with a sense of purpose and belonging to a time honored profession.

“There is a deep, personal investment in the welfare of the Ansbach community, because our families, friends and teammates live and work here,” Foster said. “Our responsibility to serve and protect the public while taking care of one another is never taken lightly.”

Some outstanding examples are not hard to find.

Sgt. Clayton Schreiner, USAG Ansbach Military Police desk sergeant, fully appreciates the effect first responders have within the community. “It feels good to be in Ansbach because you can have an immediate and positive impact here,” he said.

Military Police desk sergeants are responsible for providing command and control of patrols, advising German law enforcement and emergency medical services personnel, coordinating with assigned and tenant units, and dispatching other potentially life-saving resources in response to emergency calls for service.

Sgt. Dylan Weiss and Spc. Jacob Schweighauser, 3rd Platoon, 527th Military Police Company, 18th Military Police Brigade recently responded to a call for assistance by a member of our community on the A6.

“I had a tire blow out on the highway. It was terrifying, and the MPs that came to my aid were very understanding and kind in a very stressful time,” said Tracy Deikun, Army Lodging manager.

Sgt. Ryan Pierce and Pfc. David Zamudio, 3rd Platoon, 527th Military Police Company, 18th Military Police Brigade recently responded to a medical emergency where their professional demeanor set a tremendous example of remaining calm, compassionate, and decisive during a physically and emotionally challenging incident.

“We ask our young Military Police professionals to shoulder an immense responsibility in the execution of daily law enforcement operations and none of them seek to be in the limelight. Although, each one of them deserves to be recognized for all they do,” said Maj. Jeffrey Moore, USAG Ansbach Chief of Police.

Master Sgt. Yenkhanh Doan, USAG Ansbach provost sergeant said, “I'm extremely proud of our team here. They have a very challenging and unique mission. They're public servants that provide law enforcement support 24/7, while also continuously training to deploy and fight tonight if called upon.”

During these challenging times it’s easy to sometimes lose focus of the many sacrifices our first responder community and their families have endured. National Police Week provides an opportunity to reflect on the courageous men and women who continue to serve today and honor the fallen who were committed to answering the call of those in need.

Maj. Adrian Foster, USAG Ansbach director of Emergency Services, contributed to this article.