COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Local and federal law enforcement partners gathered at the Defense Supply Center Columbus May 11 to observe the start of National Police Week. The ceremony served as a tribute to fallen officers and recognized the ongoing service of those who protect DSCC and its surrounding communities.
The event took place at the installation's Security and Emergency Services Memorial. Etched with the names of fallen heroes, the memorial serves as a daily reminder of the selfless dedication required of first responders.
Special guest Michelle Schneider, spouse of a Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy, opened the ceremony by singing the national anthem. James McGarvey, a Madison Township Police chaplain and Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support (Columbus) management and program analyst, delivered the invocation.
DLA Police Sgt. Jeffrey Conrad followed with a reading of the original 1962 Presidential Police Week Proclamation. Signed by President John F. Kennedy, the document established the annual tradition of honoring fallen officers and recognizing those who currently serve.
Bringing that historical context into the present, Navy Rear Adm. Julie Treanor, DLA Weapons Support (Columbus) commander, delivered the keynote remarks. She highlighted the demanding daily operational tempo at DSCC and commended the police force for its continuous vigilance.
“Here at DSCC, the DLA Division of Police stands as the guardian of this installation,” she said. “In today’s complex and evolving threat environment, your role has never been more critical.”
“Because of your professionalism at the perimeter and on patrol, the thousands of us inside DSCC’s gates can focus on our mission, confident in our safety,” she added.
Treanor noted that every interaction – from identity verification and antiterrorism measures at the gates to thousands of active patrols and commercial vehicle inspections throughout the year – serves as a vital first line of defense that stops potential threats before they can begin.
Quoting a famous adage, she reminded the audience of the core motivation behind their service: “‘The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.’ For our police force, that means you serve because you love this community, you love this nation, and you are dedicated to protecting the people and the mission inside our gates.”
That dedication to protection extends beyond the installation's perimeter. The gathering also highlighted the strong interagency partnerships central to the region's security, emphasizing Treanor’s description of safety and security as a "team sport.” DLA police officers were joined by leaders and representatives from multiple jurisdictions including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Whitehall Police Department.
Following Treanor's remarks, the ceremony shifted to its solemn focal point as Deputy Police Chief Jeremy Coulson and Jared Kocsis, director of Security and Emergency Services for DLA Installation Management – Columbus, placed a wreath at the memorial in honor of the fallen.
Officer Joseph Vandergriff, who served as the master of ceremonies, offered words of comfort and resolve to the officers present, reminding them that the legacy of fallen officers lives on in the dedication of those still serving.
“Take strength in knowing that when an officer falls, our resolve to serve those in need is not diminished,” he said. “Our dedication to protecting those in danger is not weakened, and our commitment to remembering those with whom we shared the badge does not fade.”
The tribute concluded as DLA Police Sgts. Jeff Conrad and Brevin Henninger, alongside Lt. Aaron Wellman, raised the flag over the memorial.
“This flag represents the fine men and women of our DLA Police Force. It was created to honor the oath of office we have sworn allegiance to,” Vandergriff said as the flag ascended. “It flies here every day on this solemn memorial as an acknowledgment of the sacrifices that have been made and an appreciation of the ongoing pledge of every officer to protect our community from harm.”
Each May, DLA and communities across the nation honor the courage, sacrifice and dedication of law enforcement officers. National Police Week includes Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 and a week of observances recognizing officers who have given their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve and protect America’s communities with dedication and courage.