The Pullman Police Department recognized the work of one of their officers for National Volunteer Week.

Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins said Reserve Police Officer Dennis Pratt is not a typical reserve officer.

Jenkins said most officers volunteer 20 to 30 hours a month, but Pratt volunteers for about 80 hours while being a part of the Whitman County Regional SWAT Team.

“He is the kind of person that wants to give back to the community,” Jenkins said.

Pratt does all the same tasks as a full-time officer, Jenkins said, but does not get paid. Pratt was offered a job but turned it down.

Jenkins said as part of the police officer reserve program, Pratt trains and works alongside the officers. Usually, there are about four people in the reserve program but right now Pratt is the only one.

Jenkins said reserve officers typically have to work and ride with another officer because they only put in a limited number of hours.

Pratt, on the other hand, patrols alone because of how many hours he has donated, Jenkins said.

Pratt spends most of his time patrolling on his bicycle, Jenkins said. He likes to have positive interactions with community members.

Jenkins said National Volunteer Week was nationally recognized in 1974. The police department does not regularly participate but this year they wanted to recognize Pratt.

He said Pratt is one of the many people in Pullman who volunteer and donate their time.

“We have a lot of different organizations that people volunteer who make the community a better place,” Jenkins said.