ABout Us

The Heroes Club is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization based in Carmel, Indiana with the goal of supporting the real-life heroes of public safety and law enforcement in our local area. We do this by providing an accidental death policy, mental health support, and equipment and training grants for local police, fire, and safety personnel.
Our Mission

Our History

In 1996, a group of business executives and concerned citizens came together with a shared mission: to find a meaningful way to support public safety employees in times of need. This vision led to the incorporation of The Heroes Club as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in September of that year. From the beginning, our goal has been to show unwavering appreciation for the first responders who serve and protect Carmel and Clay Townships.

One of our earliest and most impactful initiatives was establishing an accidental death policy to provide financial security to the families of officers who lose their lives in the line of duty. Initially set at $50,000, the policy was later expanded in response to the increased risks faced by public safety officers, particularly after 9/11. Thanks to the dedication of our members and generous donors, coverage has since grown to $400,000, ensuring greater protection for those who put their lives on the line for our community.

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Years Supporting Local Heroes

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Accidental Line of Duty Death Policy Increase Since Starting

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Current Local Members

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Why We Do It

Our community’s first responders put their lives on the line everyday to protect us and our families. They also safeguard the places that enrich our lives and enhance our community, such as schools, churches, parks, community centers, and the many business places where we work and shop. If these public servants are killed in the line of duty their dependent spouses and children may require additional assistance. They deserve the same security their loved ones provide us.
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Officers & Board Members

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Matt Frey, President

Founder/CEO, Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream, Bub’s Burgers
Ball State University, 1994
BS, Political Science and Government

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Mark Carney, Vice President

President & Chief Executive Officer WorldTrips
Chief Product Officer, Tokio Marine HCC Global Travel Group
BS, Purdue University

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Christopher Trimbach, Treasurer

Senior Vice President for KeyBank
BA in Business Administration, University of Cincinnati, Kolodzik Business Scholar

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Bob Russell, Communications

BS Ball State University
Customer Communications Management Executive

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Spencer Clark, Membership Director

Major Account Executive at Republic Services
Dominican University, 2016

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Tom Melangton, Past President

Sales Engineer/Business Development, Johnson-Melloh Mechanical
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Renee Butts, Director

Firefighter, Engineer, Paramedic
Public Education Officer

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Jon Duke, Director

CEO and Founder J R Duke Company
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Jacob Harrison, Director

Patrolman, Carmel Police Department
Joined the Carmel Police Department in January 2020
Former Police Officer at Indiana State University from 2017-2019
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice & Criminology from Indiana State University in 2014

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Mike Housey, Director

Professional Leadership Coach / EVP Southern Glazer’s
Author of The #1 Amazon Best Seller: Iron Life

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Juan Navarette, Director

Master Patrolman with Carmel Police Department
Mohawk Trail Elementary School Resource Officer

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Charles Norman, Director

Eagle Valley Inc.
High Point University 2020

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Sara VanDyke, Director

Carmel Fire Department
Prevention Bureau Coordinator

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J.C. Buehler, Legal Advisor

Principal, Buehler Law Group
Reserve Deputy, Hamilton Co. Sheriffs Office
Member, SolutionsAir Charter, LLC
FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
B.A., Indiana University, 1977
J.D., Indiana Univ. McKinney School of Law, 1980

Advisors

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Chief Drake Sterling

Carmel Police Department
Drake Sterling is an experienced leader with more than fifteen years of dedicated law enforcement service. Previously he served as Captain for the Zionsville Police Department and was the Assistant SWAT Commander for the Boone County Special Response Team. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia and he holds a graduate certificate in criminal justice from University of Virginia. He’s a graduate of both the Public Service Leadership Institute and the Indiana Police Chief Training Program. He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
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Chief Joel Thacker

Carmel Fire Department
“I am deeply honored to serve as the city’s fire chief,” Thacker said. “I look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Carmel Fire Department to uphold the highest standards of service and safety for our community.”
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Sheriff Dennis J. Quakenbush

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department
“You will want to be part of this tremendous organization! It provides a great opportunity for business owners and leaders in the community to connect with the public safety officials who are working hard to keep this community safe. The relationships formed are meaningful and I’m personally thankful for the encouragement and support from the friends I have met through The Heroes Club.”
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Tony Delello, Captain

Indiana State Police
A Hamilton County native, Captain Delello graduated from Carmel High School in 1989, then Indiana State University in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He began his career with the Indiana State Police in 1995, graduating from the academy in December of that year.