JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Have you ever wondered how roads get their name? For Wilkinson Way on Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station, the name is in honor of Police Officer Frank Wilkinson Jr. On Dec. 16, 1993, Wilkinson was struck and killed by a drunk driver while exiting his patrol car. He was providing back up to another officer assisting a disabled vehicle on Dorchester Road at the entrance to the former Hunley Park Naval Housing. After striking Wilkinson, the suspect stopped the vehicle and was taken into custody and subsequently found guilty of manslaughter. Wilkinson had served in law enforcement for a total of 19 years prior to his death and was survived by his five daughters.
In late 2013, Department of the Air Force Police Officer Logan Ashley and other members of the 628th Security Forces Squadron sprang into action after a memorial to Wilkinson was destroyed during a traffic accident in 2012. Ashley designed a new memorial, solicited donations from off-base police agencies and along with a team of defenders spent countless hours building the new Officer Wilkinson Memorial. Slated for completion this May, the Officer Wilkinson Memorial has been designated as the location to kick off the 2014 National Police Week for Joint Base Charleston. Police Week will honor Wilkinson and other police officers who lost their lives serving the public.
Events for the 2104 National Police Week include a shooting competition, golf tournament, physical fitness events and retreat.
May 12, 8 a.m.: Relay run from the Air Base to the Weapons Station
POC: Senior Airman Adam Laubenheimer, 963-1122
May 13, 8 a.m.: Golf Tournament (four person teams)
POC: Staff Sgts. Joshua Lein or Dominick POndant, 963-1122
May 14, TBD: Mud Run Obstacle Course (four person teams)
POC: Senior Ronni Aragona, 963-1122
May 15, 9 a.m.: Shooting Competition (four person teams)
POC: Staff Sgt. Servick or Senior Airman Weitzel, 963-1122
May 16: Retreat
POC: Tech. Sgt. Sabrina Reash, 963-3643