As McMinnville's Public Safety Unit celebrates 12 years of existence, it's an appropriate time to break out the microphone and sing the praises of this all-volunteer group.The Public Safety Unit has been a win from every direction. The unit has helped to make our city safer while saving tax dollars and freeing up man hours for our police officers to work more serious cases.The all-volunteer unit of auxiliary officers began operation on Oct. 27, 2003 as a way to keep up with the rapid growth the community is experiencing. By handling calls that don't require full-fledged law enforcement officials or emergency personnel, the volunteers allow officers more time to handle police business.PSU officers are not certified police officers -- and they don't carry a firearm -- but they are specially trained in various areas of emergency and non-emergency services.