Police maintain presence during AFAD

The city police department's planning for Air Force Appreciation Day starts about five months before each celebration. Working in concert with other organizers, they use a well-rehearsed route to keep things running smoothly. Photo by Brian S. Orban

Jesse Cobos has spent the past 16 years participating in Air Force Appreciation Day festivities each September. He's just never had a chance to enjoy the yearly salute to the military.

For Cobos and other officers with the Mountain Home Police Department, they're just too busy. Each year, the city police force calls on every available officer to keep each event safe.

During AFAD, the department's officers know it is a day that nobody is getting off.

"It's the biggest thing that happens with the police department," said city police chief John Walter. "We use just about everybody but the midnight crew."

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