LAKEPORT – Lakeport Police Department reported that its year-old volunteer program has resulted in some impressive accomplishments, from numbers of hours worked to savings in the department's budget.

A report from Lt. Brad Rasmussen noted that in 2007 the Lakeport Police implemented a professional police volunteer program. Police Volunteer Coordinator Officer Mark Hommer was instrumental in developing the program and providing training to new volunteers.

Also last year, the Lakeport Police authorized a strength of six police volunteers and two police volunteer chaplains, with Rasmussen reporting that all of those positions were quickly filled.

During the 2007 calendar year the volunteers worked a total of 1262.25 hours, which Rasmussen explained amounts to a $15,172.00 benefit to the department when calculated at the hourly rate for a part-time police employee.

This year, the volunteers are on track to exceed the number of hours worked in 2007, according to Rasmussen.

The volunteers were assigned to duties such as bicycle safety training, assisting the public at large community and school events, traffic control during parades, administrative support, general office duties, investigative support, parking enforcement, business checks, public relations and riding along with police officers, he explained. Volunteers also participate in ongoing training related to their positions.

The work performed by the department's volunteers has proved very valuable to Lakeport Police staff, Rasmussen noted. Many of the department's responsibilities and duties have been handled more efficiently due to the dedication and commitment of its volunteers.

The department is very proud of its amazing volunteers and thanks them for their continued commitment to making the Lakeport community a safer place, Rasmussen said.

Anyone interested in additional information about the volunteer program should contact Police

Officer Mark Hommer by telephone at 263-5491 or department Web site at www.lakeportpolice.org.

{mos_sb_discuss:2}