FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
The Defense Logistics Agency and communities across the nation honor the men and women who serve in law enforcement in recognition of National Police Week May 11 to 17.
President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which the day falls as National Police Week in 1962.
DLA police officers provide 24/7 security, force protection and law enforcement services to sites with thousands of federal employees, service members, contractors and tenants. The officers oversee every individual who enters the installation throughout the day, ensuring only vetted individuals are granted access. DLA police officers work to prevent crime and acts of terror while upholding state and federal laws.
For DLA Distribution Columbus Police Lt. Robert McCusker, National Police Week is a time to reflect and honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty.
“It’s also a reminder of the commitment we make every day to serve with integrity, courage and respect for the communities we protect,” he said.
A former Marine and six-year DLA police veteran, McCusker said he chose a career in law enforcement because he still had the desire to serve and protect his country.
“Law enforcement allows me to make a real difference in people’s lives while working in a challenging and dynamic environment. During my time in service, I never fully understood the logistics behind us receiving the gear and equipment we needed,” he said. “Being a small piece of ensuring our military is properly equipped to continue to be the most powerful military in the world is one of the main reasons I was drawn to the DLA police department.”
When describing the most rewarding aspects of being a DLA Police officer, McCusker noted that he has a direct impact on the safety and well-being of his community. He said the challenging part is navigating constant scrutiny from the public, resulting from some of the sometimes split-second decisions police officers make where there is little room for error.
Despite challenges associated with his work, McCusker said he is motivated to come to work each day and serve the DLA community.
“Law enforcement in general is unique; you never know what situation you’re going to get involved in throughout the day. I enjoy that aspect of the job,” he said. “I like being faced with situations I’ve never dealt with before. It’s a challenge, but it’s always rewarding when you get a positive resolution.”
McCusker credits the training he’s received as his proudest accomplishment and for his success throughout his law enforcement career.
“From the academy to instructor programs and SWAT school, the specialized courses have challenged me mentally and physically, helping me grow both as an officer and a person,” he said.
DLA is a great place to start a law enforcement career and has some of the best training compared to other federal law enforcement agencies, he added.
“We have made it our goal to have state-of-the-art equipment to ensure we are trained and ready. We also work closely with local and federal agencies,” McCusker said. “Whether you’re just looking to get your foot in the door, or make it a career, we have something for everyone.”
Marine Corps veteran and DLA Headquarters Police Officer Jennifer Lozano joined the agency eight months ago after 10 years of military service. After her military service, Lozano said she knew she wasn’t done serving because she found purpose in protecting others.
“Growing up, I remember feeling safe when law enforcement was present, and I knew I wanted to give others that same sense of reassurance,” she said. “DLA’s mission to support the warfighter deeply resonated with me. It’s not just policing; its service at a strategic level that supports the backbone of our military.”
Lozano said being a DLA police officer is rewarding because she gets to safeguard the people who directly support military readiness. She says the challenge with work is that it often goes unnoticed.
Federal law enforcement in a support agency is often misunderstood or underestimated, but the reality is protection allows the mission to continue without interruption, something she said is both humbling and motivating.
She described her work as behind the scenes, but vital when considering the scope of the unique security challenges faced as a police officer at a DLA site.
“Our facilities, personnel and operations are targets of opportunity due to the scale of military support DLA provides,” Lozano said. “Whether that’s through physical security, rapid response or training others in tactical readiness, my role is part of the protective framework that allows DLA to deliver.”
For Lozano, National Police Week is a time to honor those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and to reflect on the quiet resilience of those who continue to serve every day.
“It’s not just about uniforms or badges, it’s about integrity, courage and sacrifice,” she said. “It’s a reminder that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves, even if not everyone understands the weight that comes with wearing this uniform.”