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South Bend Police Department <br /> 701 West Sample Street <br /> South Bend, Indiana 46601 <br /> MEDIA RELEASE <br /> Friday, February 9, 2007 <br /> For Immediate Release <br /> Contact(s): Teri Lanning Lt. Richard Powers <br /> Public Information/ Public Relations VIPS Unit Coordinator <br /> 574-235-7682 574-235-9402 <br /> South Bend Police Department VIPS Volunteers to Receive President's Awards <br /> "Honoring Outstanding Commitment to Volunteer Service" <br /> South Bend, IN For the first time ever, twenty nine VIPS (Volunteers in Police <br /> Service) Unit volunteers for the South Bend Police Department(SBPD) will receive the <br /> prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award, and the department is being lauded for <br /> teaming with the White House to become a Certifying Organization. <br /> Presidential Letters of Appreciation and Recognition pins will be presented to <br /> individuals as well as the Unit at the Awards Ceremony slated for Monday, <br /> February 12, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the SBPD Auditorium. Mayor Stephen Luecke, <br /> Chief of Police Thomas Fautz, VIPS Coordinator Lt. Richard Powers and other <br /> dignitaries will be on hand to congratulate the volunteers for their thousands of combined <br /> volunteer service hours earned over the past three years. <br /> Established in 2003, the Award was created by President George W. Bush to give <br /> Presidential recognition to individuals, families and groups meeting requirements for <br /> volunteer service, measured by the number of service hours performed over a 12-month <br /> period. Lt. Powers explained that as a Certifying Organization for the Award, the SBPD <br /> is responsible for verifying service hours, nominating potential recipients and delivering <br /> the Awards. <br /> "We are extremely proud of our volunteers, and this is a `first of its kind, recognition for <br /> them. They are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to <br /> bring us closer as neighbors and as a Nation. President Bush originated the Awards to <br /> help foster and encourage a culture of volunteer service and civic participation among <br /> Americans...Together, we can strengthen America one hour at atime," said Lt. Powers. <br /> For more information about volunteering, or volunteering specifically with the South <br /> Bend Police Department, please visit the following websites: <br /> www.presidentialserviceawards.gov <br /> www.southbendpolice.com <br /> -30- <br />