UNION CITY — Sometimes when you give a little, you also get something in return.

That's what Union City police Cpl. Brandon Hayward and three other people learned Thursday when they were honored at the 2008 Union City Chamber of Commerce Spirit Awards luncheon.

"I was kind of shocked," Hayward said of the nomination and award. "I (volunteer) because I love it, and for someone to recognize that is outstanding, phenomenal."

Hayward was recognized at the Crown Plaza Hotel on Alvarado-Niles Road along with Union City Councilwoman Carol Dutra-Vernaci, New Haven Unified School District Deputy Superintendent David Pava and Planning Commissioner Cathi Sweeney.

Each year the city, school district and chamber select people in their organizations whose contributions to the community are worthy of recognition, said chamber spokeswoman Dana Hernandez.

Dutra-Vernaci was nominated for her work with the Lions Club and her fundraising efforts for the city's 50th anniversary celebration, which is scheduled for 2009.

Pava, who is retiring in the fall, was chosen in part because he has spent his entire career working for the school district, whose schools he attended as a child.

And Sweeney was honored for her work supporting Measure K and her role with the Citizen's Emergency Response Team, or CERT.

Hayward was nominated for his work with the Special Olympics of Northern California.

The Special Olympics has become

Locally, Hayward has headed the police department's contribution to the charity. He has coordinated the annual Torch Run and organized several fundraising activities such as the Tip-A-Cop event he participated in just hours after receiving his award.

During those fundraisers, officers in full police uniform, on their personal time, take drink orders and bus tables with employees of local dining establishments.

In addition to raising money for the charity, Hayward also donates his time at the annual Special Olympics Games held in Berkeley, where he helps set up events and hands out medals at the award ceremonies.

"It's neat because (the athletes) are always smiling, and they give you big hugs," he said, adding that the experience makes him feel good, and casts law enforcement in a positive light.

After the luncheon, Hayward said he was in awe over his nomination and was proud to be in the same class of the other nominees.

"I'm humbled by the experience," he said.

Staff writer Ben Aguirre Jr. can be reached at 510-353-7011 or baguirre@bayareanewsgroup.com.