Singled out for special recognition were Betty Smith, who was named volunteer of the year, and Allene Warren, whose 157 hours were the most worked by any of the participants.

According to Paula White, a police service technician who coordinates the volunteer program, Smith "really stands out. She is a real supporter and she is always available for work." A graduate of the Citizen Police Academy, Smith has also initiated several fund raising projects for the program.

Each of the volunteers received a special certificate and police department polo shirt.

The volunteer program began in 1997 and in the past year those participating worked 1,056 hours in a variety of assignments.

Among them were in the patrol, criminal investigation and records divisions, and the community services and crime analysis sections. Some who have backgrounds in science have helped out in the police crime lab.

White said what the volunteers do "is extremely important" to the daily operations of the police department.

With the shortage of officers and civilian workers due to budget cuts, the volunteers have "been great" at filling gaps and making things easier for not only police officers and remaining civilian employees, but the public as well, she said.

White said for example volunteers have had a "big impact" in the records division where their presence has shortened the time it takes for a person to get a copy of a police report, either in person or by mail.

Sponsoring the dinner were Bay Alarm, whose president Graham Westphal is a "terrific supporter of the program," White said, the Oakland Police Officers Association, the Oakland Black Officers Association, the Latino Police Officers Association and Carousel Embroidery.