4 minute read
The Heroes Club
Taking care of those who serve and protect.
Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp
A not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization, The Heroes Club provides financial assistance and resources for the women and men of the Carmel Police Department, Carmel Fire Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police serving Carmel and Clay Township. According to Oxford Languages, a hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. However, to the Carmel community, heroes are much more–they are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, mentors, and friends who put their lives on the line every day without fail to keep citizens safe.
To honor and protect these dedicated public servants, in 1996, a group of businessmen founded The Heroes Club, funding a life insurance policy to provide a safety net for families of any member of the police force, firefighter, or public safety officer killed in the line of duty in Carmel or Clay Township. The chief instrument of this support is in the form of an accidental death insurance policy that is provided to the family members or designated beneficiaries of an officer who loses his or her life in the line of duty serving in Carmel or Clay Township.
Tom Melangton, president of The Heroes Club, recently announced an increase of the existing $300,000 life insurance policy to $400,000. “We are pleased that we have been able to add to this portfolio, which has become the largest insurance policy of its kind in the world. This unique benefit has enabled our community to attract and retain world-class women and men highly skilled in the field of public safety,” he explains.
Carmel Mayor James Brainard concurs. “It is vitally important that everyone in Carmel supports the fire, police and emergency medical service officers that make our city one of the safest anywhere,” he says. “This benefit is important just not for our officers, but for the families of these officers.” The increased benefit has been met with strong appreciation from the law enforcement community. Police Chief Jeff Horner says, “The Heroes Club has been a great partner and supporter of the Carmel Police Department for many years. They provide the comfort to all of us working in public safety that our loved ones will be financially supported if we’re called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice while serving our community.”
Fire Chief David Haboush adds,“The Heroes Club continues to be a loyal and trusted partner of the Carmel Firefighters, and their support allows our men and women the peace of mind to focus on doing their mission and helping our community during emergency situations, knowing if something were to happen, their loved ones will be taken care of. We deeply appreciate the support given to our members through the Heroes Club.”
In addition to the insurance policy, The Heroes Club provides grants for special safety equipment and training to afford law enforcement workers the best possible means of doing their jobs, and also holds community events throughout the year. Melangton urges all community members to consider supporting The Heroes Club. “All dues and donations are tax-deductible and, we believe, your contribution is a sign of gratitude and a small token of thanks for the ultimate sacrifice made on our behalf by our dedicated team of public safety personnel.” sl
To become a member of The Heroes Club, donate your support, or attend an upcoming event, visit theheroesclub.org.
