Incirlik 2018 Police Week Published May 23, 2018 By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Nagle 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- “Law enforcement officers are the ‘Thin Blue Line’ and have a special duty. The term ‘Thin Blue Line’ refers to the line that separates order from chaos. This ‘Thin Blue Line’ works every day to build trust in the citizen and fear in the criminal,” said Special Agent Peter Swinson, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 522 commander. This year, the 39th Security Forces Squadron kicked off Police Week at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, by gathering and listening to guest speakers, such as Swenson who has been in law enforcement for over 13 years, during a pancake breakfast. “This week we ask you to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and thank them for exceptional duty. Call them what you want, cops, police, brotherhood of the badge, ‘Thin Blue Line.’ They watch over you while you sleep, they look out for your family while you are away, they keep the streets safe, they instill fear in the criminal, and they uphold the rule of law” The eventful week included a pistol shooting contest, squadron challenge and a ruck march, used as a way to build camaraderie and honor those defenders who have given the ultimate sacrifice. According to U.S. Air Force Capt. Andrew Neubauer, 39th SFS Contingency Operations officer, Police Week is used as a time to pause, reflect and celebrate law enforcement officials who are currently serving or who have died in the line of duty. The events also provided an opportunity for the 39th SFS to involve other squadrons and NATO members from across the installation to honor all defenders past, present and fallen. “This is a very tough, thankless job that can [get rough] in the blink of an eye,” said Neubauer. “Sometimes you just need a minute to catch your breath and remember your fallen.”