Crime Stoppers of Indiana

About our Program

This Crime Stoppers Program began in 1985 from the efforts of Indianapolis Police Department and city leaders. Our program now operates as an independent organization. The concept has developed into a combination of efforts by local media, businesses, civic and social clubs, law enforcement agencies, and the public. Donations of air time, newspaper space, and reward monies have established Crime Stoppers as an effective tool to fight crime in the area. Donor Privacy Policy- We will not sell, trade, or share a donor’s personal information with anyone else, nor send donor mailings on behalf of other organizations.

How it Works

Put simply, it is a three part approach to solving the crime problem. Crime Stoppers relies on cooperation between the police, the media, and the general community to provide a flow of information about crime and criminals.

The Phone Call

Calls are received at the local Crime Stoppers tips line phone. This phone is a stand-alone instrument that does not provide caller ID, and conversations are not recorded. After receiving the information, the Crime Stoppers coordinator completes the tips information form, makes initial inquiries, and then passes the information to the investigating officer. Calls are accepted regarding any publicized request for information, such as “Crime of the Week” or such other felony crime(s) the caller has knowledge of. By guaranteeing a caller’s anonymity Crime Stoppers allows the caller to give information in a positive atmosphere without the prospect of retribution. By offering cash rewards for information leading to felony arrests, the program encourages otherwise reluctant callers to provide information.

The Online WebTip

Tipsters now have the option of giving us tips online. The process is completely secure and anonymous and is a very effective and efficient means of safely communicating with us in today’s world. Our WebTip process is powered by the world’s leading online tip solution provider, Anderson Software. The unique integrated Two-Way Dialog capabilities allow the tipster to come back and provide additional information to their tip at any time, but also provides a secure means for the coordinator to ask questions or provide reward information back to the tipster through the same secure and encrypted interface.

Structure and Funding of Crime Stoppers

Crime Stopper programs are organized as a not-for- profit organization (charity). A civilian community board of directors provides direction as to the financial and promotional activities of the program. The board of directors enhances the community involvement aspect, and its function is vital to the success of the program. The Crime Stoppers program is funded by private donations and fundraising. The reward money paid out by the program is from the fund raising and donations from concerned citizens and businesses. A community board of directors, made up of persons from throughout the area, meets on a scheduled basis to evaluate arrests and to decide on the size of rewards to be paid, up to $1,000. Rewards are then distributed in a private manner to the callers. Callers are eligible for rewards up to $1,000, but, despite this, many callers choose not to collect their rewards.

Does Crime Stoppers Work?

The answer is quite simply yes. Since the start of Crime Stoppers, many calls have been received resulting in thousands of arrests and recovery of substantial amounts of property. Calls have included information about murder, robbery, rape, assaults, as well as drug and firearm offenses.

The success of a Crime Stoppers program cannot be purely judged on statistics, however, other benefits have come from the program: • A greater awareness in the community that there is a crime problem. • A willingness by the community to fight back against crime given the opportunity and motivation. • Improved relationships between police, press, and the public. • Crime Stoppers is definitely here to stay. It has been accepted by police as a valid and effective investigative tool, and the public, through its overwhelming response, appears to have accepted it as a more palatable alternative to traditional methods of giving information.

History

When a young college student, Michael Carmen, was shot to death during a robbery at an Albuquerque, New Mexico, gas station in July 1976, Detective Greg MacAleese had no idea who was responsible for the killing. No witnesses came forward, and it appeared the senseless and brutal shotgun slaying would remain a mystery. MacAleese, who worked for a newspaper before joining the Albuquerque Police Department, knew something innovative would be necessary to encourage the public to get involved and help solve the murder. He conceived the idea of producing a video re-enactment of the homicide, guaranteed anonymity for anyone who was willing to call him with information, and put up a reward from his own pocket to encourage someone to provide a lead that would help identify those responsible for the murder of Carmen. It seemed almost unnecessary to take such extraordinary steps to solve the killing of Carmen. It was a case that should have outraged the community and brought forth many witnesses. Carmen was only two weeks away from getting married and had taken an extra shift at the gas station to give a co-worker the night off. When police responded to an emergency call, they found Carmen gravely wounded. He’s been shot in the abdomen at point blank range with a 12-gauge shotgun. The medical staff kept him alive for four hours, and during that time he tried to tell detectives who was responsible, but he just didn’t have the strength to form the words.

At that time Albuquerque had one of the highest percapita crime rates in the country, and people were afraid to help the police. MacAleese’s plan to identify those responsible for killing Carmen worked. Within a few hours after the recreation of the murder was broadcast on television station KOAT, he received a phone call. The video image had triggered the memory of a person who heard a loud bang in the vicinity of the gas station and then saw a car driving off. The caller told MacAleese the vehicle belonged to a resident in a nearby apartment complex. Through the investigation, MacAleese and a team of detectives arrested two men within 72 hours and charged them with the murder of Carmen and a string of armed robberies. MacAleese received other calls following the reenactment, including one that allowed police to solve the rape of a young woman. Realizing that this type of program might be useful in fighting crime, MacAleese convinced the Albuquerque Police Department to allow a group of citizens to establish the first Crime Stoppers program. For his efforts, Detective MacAleese was named the country’s Police Officer of the Year and is known as one of the people who changed how we fight crime in the United States in the 1970s. It’s also interesting to note that since adopting Crime Stoppers, Albuquerque’s crime rate has dropped significantly and no longer is ranked in the list of 20 cities with the highest per-capita crime rate. Central Indiana Crime Stoppers was started in 1985, and in twenty-five years has never revealed the identity of a tipster. During this time thousands of dollars have been paid as rewards and thousands of felony arrests have occurred due to our tipsters. Help us keep our communities safe one anonymous tip at a time.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Fraternal Events

Special Olympics New York — In December 2020, PFIA Agent John Petricca supported the Special Olympics Polar Plunge at Woodlawn Beach State Park. Athletes, coaches, and the people who support them come together for the love of a sport or the thrill of a game. Not everyone wins. Through Special Olympics New York, everyone is included. Athletes with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to challenge themselves in fair and even competition. Win or lose, they develop their character, make friends, and find unknown wells of determination within themselves. If you’re a fan of unity, acceptance, empowerment, dignity, pride, and fun, you’re a fan of Special Olympics New York. Equipment Benefits Recruits New York — In November 2020, PFIA Agent Kyle Parker provided a donation to the Albany Police Academy, which instructs police recruits on physical fitness and wellness during academy sessions as part of the curriculum for the basic course for police officers. In order to expand their fitness offerings for recruits, the academy needs equipment that will benefit recruits now and in future classes. In particular, they would use any funding toward a grinder speed sled. Using a speed sled will increase one’s heart rate, breathing, metabolism, and tax their entire body. The greatest advantage of sled training is the ability to improve strength, athleticism, and work capacity without the negative impact on muscle gain and strength. Golf Scramble Benefits Deputy Indiana — On October 17, 2020, PFIA Agent Greg Lehman was able to help sponsor a golf scramble held to raise money for a Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Deputy who suffered a seizure while at work.

On July 9, 2020, the VCSD was quickly taken to a local hospital after the seizure leaving him unable to use the left side of his body. Once he arrived, tests were run that determined he had a lesion in his lung as well as three in his brain, with the largest in the brain bleeding. The following Saturday his symptoms worsened and he was taken into surgery to remove the largest lesion from his brain. PFIA was proud to be able to partake in raising money for this man as he is in recovery. Upgrading 911 Louisiana — In November 2020, PFIA Agent Rodney Horton provided a donation to the Shreveport Police Department to upgrade their 911 system. All officers received new handheld portable radios and were issued a standard antennae. Both teams

had requested that the department purchase small antennae and ear pieces to assist them in better performing their day-to-day operations. The department stated that funds were not available for these purchases. At this point, support groups for both units reached out to me and asked if PFIA could assist with the purchase of these items to assist their units in the day to day operations of both units. The Shreveport Police K9 and SRT teams are made up of officers who are and have been members of PFIA. I made a request of PFIA to assist in the fundraising efforts of both units, and within a week I received a donation to assist both units with the purchase of the needed equipment. Shop with a Cop Florida — David Kilcrease posed for a photo while receiving a donation from ABM Tony Ragans. Taking place every December, Shop with a Cop is one of the greatest events during the year. Officers from Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and members of FOP-530 spend time with several kids. They meet them at select stores and shop with the police officers for their favorite Christmas gifts. Police and Fire Support Texas — Despite having to cancel the annual Port Arthur Guns and Hoses Benevolent Fund due to Covid-19, PFIA Agent Tarah Mireles was still able to provide a donation to support the police officers and firefighters in times of need. The Port Arthur Guns and Hoses Benevolent Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance for Port Arthur Police Officers, Port Arthur firefighters and their families in times of hardship. The hardships can be caused from an injury or an illness, a catastrophic event or a death. They aim to lighten the financial burden when possible for their members. Assisting with Medical Expenses Texas — In December 2020, PFIA Agent Tarah Mireles provided a donation on behalf of Lt. Joey Breaux. The Beaumont Police Benefit Association is an organization that assists Beaumont Police Officers (both active and retired) with out-of-pocket medical expenses. It is funded by membership dues and donations. BPBA also coordinates fundraisers for officers and/or their family members who have major medical events.

Food Drive New Jersey —On December 29, 2020, the Passaic Fire Headquarters Eastside Firehouse had a food distribution drive that fed over 350 families. This was a coordinated effort between Passaic Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association Locals 213/13, Passaic Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association 14, Troopers United Foundation Inc., Passaic Recreation, Wakefern, Peruvian Parade, Ahold E-commerce & the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. Though 2020 was a rough year, PFIA Agent Jason Ayala and New Jersey State Trooper Reinaldo Cruz hope the drive helped to start 2021 on a positive note, with hope that good things would continue to flow into the new year. Fraternal Benefits Texas — PFIA Agent/Sgt. Marty Kuehn presents a fraternal benefits check to president Douglas Griffith and Vice President Tom Hayes of the Houston Police Officers Union at their recent executive board meeting. These benefits included two checks for officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, one for a badly injured officer while in the line of duty, and a fourth check to their Assist the Officer Houston, which provides assistance to officers and their families in times of need.

Times in Need Texas — Sgt. Marty Kuehn presents a check to Lt. Don Savell with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, which is over the Benevolence Fund that assists Deputies and their families in times of need.

Continued Support Texas — The San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association Athletic Club is so thankful PFIA Director Ruben Cevallos has supported their club and association for years. The Athletic Club has supported multiple charitable events such as the cystic-fibrosis Tower Climb, Breast Cancer Awareness month every October, and softball and fishing tournaments to raise funds for our brothers suffering from different cancers and illnesses. Through the help of PFIA they have been able to hold fundraisers to assist our brothers and sisters during these very difficult times. These hit home with our local 624 family and made a difference in their lives. SAPFFAAC Chairman Robert Ford mentions how thankful they are for the relationship they have nurtured over time and look forward to working with PFIA in the years to come. Lost in a Fire Florida — ABM Tony Ragans presents a check to Local 122 President Randy Wyse. Members of local 122 also made donations to help a family that lost everything in a house fire in December 2020. Fire Museum Colorado — PFIA Agent Mike Carrigan provided a fraternal check to the Denver Police Museum in December 2020. To say thank you, they sent PFIA an ornament that sparkled on our Christmas tree!

Sick & Injured Fund Florida — On December 19, 2020, PFIA Agent Jorge Moral volunteered at the Fort Lauderdale Fire Station, raising money for the sick and injured fund, to help fund repairs to the Fort Lauderdale Fire Museum. This year it was Octoberfest in December with a fire gear rummage sale and a home brew competition.

PFIA’S PFIA’S

Charitable Fund Charitable Fund

PFIA can accept charitable contributions to the Fund that are tax deductible for the person or company donating. The Board consists of the Executive Committee and two other current Board Members. The Board will determine every December meeting how much PFIA will contribute to the fund and then distribute the funds to predetermined charities. The fund will be distributed to a zero balance and start over on January 1st of every year. We will lean heavily towards children and military families. The four funds that we will contribute to will be: Make-A-Wish Foundation®, Special Olympics, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Everyone gives money to charities of their choice, but we think that giving our members a place to give

— where they know 100% of funds are distributed to charities close to their heart — will be a very

benevolent endeavor. We think that will be a great extension of our fraternal mission and hope it is received well and becomes the go-to place for members to help others. What better way to fulfill our fraternal mission in today’s society with over 100 years of service with donating money to the deserving funds listed?

General Contributions:

Jerry & Mary Jane Housel Michael & Alisan Engle Bruce & Kimberly Skehan

Memorial Contributions to Honor the Memory of

KARRIE DUDLEY

Thank you Tom & Cheri Clines Memorial Contributions to Honor the Memory of

TOM GIAMPIETRO SAL VALVO ALAN MELANCON

Thank you Ed & Nancy Griffith

If you are interested in becoming a contributor or if you would like to donate, please make a check payable to PFIA Charitable Fund and put in the memo “charitable contribution,” or write a note and put it in the envelope and mail to: PFIA ATTN: Tom Clines 101 East 116th Street Carmel, IN 46032

PRESERVING THE HISTORY OF First Responders

Fire marks at the Firemen’s Hall Museum

The museum contains a large collection of fire marks. The information included here, was compiled by collections manager Bob Shea. Bob is a leading expert on American fire marks. His expertise is often sought by other museums. Bob also specializes in the early history of fire insurance, including the organization of insurance companies by volunteer firemen.

American fire marks, also known as “badges” and “house plates,” are signs issued by insurance companies that were affixed to the front of a property to mark that the property was insured for fire. Fire marks carried the symbol or the name of the insurer and were made of cast iron, sheet brass, lead, tinned sheet iron, copper, or zinc. They came in various sizes and shapes, sometimes attached to a wooden plaque.

Eagle Insurance Company

Cincinnati, Ohio 1850 – 1894 Cast iron fire mark; Bulau #195; 12” X 8” One of the finest examples of the craftsmanship of American iron foundries is illustrated in the details of this fire mark. Just a few years ago, I was able to see one of these original fire marks on a building in Cincinnati.

Mobile Fire Department Insurance Company

Mobile, Alabama 1866 – 1879 Cast iron fire mark; Bulau #395; 11 1/2” X 7 7/8” This mark is an example of the use of advertising in the design of fire marks. The company’s relationship to the actual fire department was tenuous and firemen did not necessarily own the majority of stock to control its management and distribution of profits. Most likely the organizers wanted to capitalize on the name of the former Firemen’s Insurance Company that was owned by the Mobile firemen from 1837 to sometime during the Civil War.

Home Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company

Saint Louis, Missouri 1845 – 1880 Zinc fire mark; Bulau #161; 5 1/2” X 4 3/4” From the Harold E. Gillingham Collection Typically used by the Eastern insurers, this is a unique example of the clasped hands denoting a mutual company found in the Midwest and in zinc. While known as small local company in Saint Louis, they were in Kansas as early as 1855. It claimed to be the oldest fire insurance company in Missouri.

The Mutual Assurance Company for Insuring Houses from Loss by Fire

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1784 – 1996 Cast iron fire mark; Bulau #40; 8 1/2” X 8 3/4”, issued 1829 –Known as the “Squatty Green Tree” this is the fourth variant of the four different cast iron fire marks issued by the Mutual Assurance Company. Shortly after they were made, the company discontinued issuing fire marks.

Firemen’s Insurance Company of New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana 1875 – 1899 Cast iron fire mark; Bulau #446; 7 3/4” X 11 3/8” From the Harold E. Gillingham Collection Due to financial difficulties New Orleans contracted with the Firemen’s Charitable Association (FCA) to provide fire protection for the city. In an attempt to raise funds for the benefit of the volunteer firemen, without going to the city, the FCA formed the Firemen’s Insurance Company. The new insurance company modeled their charter and hydrant and hose fire mark on the Fire Association of Philadelphia, a successful insurance company that was also organized by volunteer firemen.

Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Germantown and its Vicinity

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1843 – Present, as the “Germantown Insurance Company” Cast iron fire mark; Bulau #153; 11 1/2” X 8 1/8” From the Harold E. Gillingham Collection Originally chartered in 1843 as the “Germantown, Roxborough and Bristol Mutual Fire Insurance Company,” the name was changed in 1859 to the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Germantown and its Vicinity. While neither company had a