HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-2007 South Bend Police Department VIPS Volunteers to Receive President’s Awards South Bend Police Department
701 West Sample Street
South Bend, Indiana 46601
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, February 9, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact(s): Teri Lanning Lt. Richard Powers
Public Information/ Public Relations VIPS Unit Coordinator
574-235-7682 574-235-9402
South Bend Police Department VIPS Volunteers to Receive President's Awards
"Honoring Outstanding Commitment to Volunteer Service"
South Bend, IN For the first time ever, twenty nine VIPS (Volunteers in Police
Service) Unit volunteers for the South Bend Police Department(SBPD) will receive the
prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award, and the department is being lauded for
teaming with the White House to become a Certifying Organization.
Presidential Letters of Appreciation and Recognition pins will be presented to
individuals as well as the Unit at the Awards Ceremony slated for Monday,
February 12, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the SBPD Auditorium. Mayor Stephen Luecke,
Chief of Police Thomas Fautz, VIPS Coordinator Lt. Richard Powers and other
dignitaries will be on hand to congratulate the volunteers for their thousands of combined
volunteer service hours earned over the past three years.
Established in 2003, the Award was created by President George W. Bush to give
Presidential recognition to individuals, families and groups meeting requirements for
volunteer service, measured by the number of service hours performed over a 12-month
period. Lt. Powers explained that as a Certifying Organization for the Award, the SBPD
is responsible for verifying service hours, nominating potential recipients and delivering
the Awards.
"We are extremely proud of our volunteers, and this is a `first of its kind, recognition for
them. They are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to
bring us closer as neighbors and as a Nation. President Bush originated the Awards to
help foster and encourage a culture of volunteer service and civic participation among
Americans...Together, we can strengthen America one hour at atime," said Lt. Powers.
For more information about volunteering, or volunteering specifically with the South
Bend Police Department, please visit the following websites:
www.presidentialserviceawards.gov
www.southbendpolice.com
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