By Cadet Zachary Dooley, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
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Spc. Josh Knott and Spc. Trey Hopkins, assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company, and Louisville Metro Police patrol near KFC YUM! Center in support of Thunder Over Louisville, April, 23, 2016. More than 100 Guardsmen patrolled the Riverfront to ensure crowd safety. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by 1st. Lt. Michael Reinersman)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. –Before the crowds arrived in downtown Louisville, Soldiers of the 223
rd Military Police Company were making preparations for their mission at Thunder Over Louisville.
Guardsmen of the Louisville-based 223
rd conducted civil support operations in support of Louisville Metro Police Department at Thunder Over Louisville on Saturday, April 23, 2016.
The Kentucky National Guard has partnered with the LMPD for multiple Thunder Over Louisville events. Soldiers of the 223
rd began their operations at the opening ceremony and provided security until the last spectators departed safely.
Before MP’s departed for downtown, they were briefed by the 198
th Military Police Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Timothy Starke.
“I want to make sure that you guys have a good day. Remember our goal for today is to serve and protect the commonwealth alongside Louisville Metro Police Department,” said Starke.
Soldiers worked in small teams while providing area security and traffic control, while the LMPD was tasked with providing all law enforcement.
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Visitors from New York stop for a photo opportunity with Soldiers of the 223rd Military Police Company and Louisville Metro Police officers during Thunder Over Louisville, April 23, 2016. The MP Company supported local law enforcement in security and traffic control during the event. (U.S Army National Guard photo by 1st. Lt. Michael Reinersman)
A three-year veteran of Thunder Over Louisville, Spc. Josh Knott, MP with the 223
rd said that the event was a great time to be able to collaborate with local law enforcement and learn all they can in order to assist and protect the commonwealth.
“We see a lot of smiling faces while getting the National Guard’s name out there and informing the public that we are here to assist them,” said Knott.
For fellow MP Spc. Trey Hopkins, also with the 223
rd, this was a way to value the partnership and opportunities to learn from the LMPD officers.
“It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate your job as military police while learning from the police officers in the commonwealth,” said Hopkins.
As the smoke from the fireworks cleared the air and the tail lights faded away, the soldiers of the 223
rd had accomplished their Thunder Over Louisville objectives.
Thunder Over Louisville gives a valuable perspective of what some soldiers of the 223
rd will face at the upcoming Kentucky Derby.
“After Thunder Over Louisville, I look forward to serving at the Kentucky Derby," said Hopkins. "Working Thunder gives us an idea of what crowd we may be dealing with at Derby due to the high volume of traffic and it reinforces how we should carry ourselves as Soldiers."