Tonight in South Bend, 29 police volunteers received the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Created in 2003 by President Bush, the prestigious award recognizes people who volunteer their time and energy to make a difference in their community.
Officers say the Volunteer Police Unit is an essential part of the South Bend Police department, and the Michiana community.
Everyone in the VIPS Program is a graduate of South Bend's citizen police academy.
If you would like to volunteer with the unit, you can go to the South Bend Police website.
SBPD Recognizes Volunteer Achievement