POST FALLS - These volunteers are worth a million bucks.

Twenty-three volunteers with area law enforcement agencies who have volunteered at least 500 hours were recently recognized by the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho. National Volunteer Week is next week.

"It is rather astonishing to note that these volunteers have served a total of more than 78,139 hours, resulting in an economic impact to our community totaling in excess of $1.2 million," said Bob Small, director of the AAA's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

Idaho uses $16.13 per hour to calculate the value of volunteers. Idaho's rate is the third-lowest in the nation. The national rate is $22.14.

Twenty-six of the program's volunteers in Kootenai and Benewah counties, including nine in the law enforcement portion, have each logged more than 4,000 hours.

Five of the law enforcement volunteers, including Post Falls' Jack Jordan, Jerry Spreen, Mary Button and Jackie Kirk, have served more than 6,000 hours each. Jordan's 12,035 tops the group, followed by Coeur d'Alene's Corky Read's 9,529.

Four volunteers, including Post Falls' Jim Knepshield, Idaho State Police's Carlina Shelby and Doris Chappius and Kootenai County Sheriff's Vernon Ward have each logged more than 4,000 hours.

RSVP's other volunteers in Kootenai and Benewah county who have put in more than 4,000 hours will also receive Presidential Volunteer Service Awards.

Those include: Tiny Couch, Christina Cote, Joan Waters, David Dobbins, Jack Crane, Lucille Robbins, Richard Hawley, Alta Haines, Rena Hawley, Barbara Kammeyer, Leona McCarter, Shirley Braswell, Janine Wildermuth, Shirley Bennett, Pat Sims, William Marmon and Helen Youngson.

In addition to helping law enforcement divisions, AAA volunteers serve in schools, senior centers, visitor information centers, thrift stores, animal shelters, libraries and hospitals.

"From the bottom of our hearts, we can't thank you enough," Small said. "I have never seen such professionalism and enthusiasm. I wish we could send all of you to Disneyland.

"Now we need to get more baby boomers involved."