The Heroes Club

Local Nonprofit Announces Accidental Death Policy Increase to $400,000

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A not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization, The Heroes Club provides financial assistance and resources for the fine 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.

What is a hero? 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, our heroes are so 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 us safe and help in times of most urgent need.

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.

To honor and protect our 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 that is killed in the line of duty in Carmel or Clay Township. Starting with small contributions, a vision and big plans, this not-for-profit volunteer-based organization has grown the accidental death policy from $50,000 initially to $400,000 today.

Tom Melangton, President of The Heroes Club announced the increase to the existing $300,000 life insurance policy to $400,000 effective in January 2022.

“We are pleased to announce that we have been able to add to this portfolio, which has become the largest insurance policy of its kind in the world,” Melangton says. “This unique benefit has enabled our community to attract and retain world-class women and men highly skilled in the field of public safety.”

“If the unthinkable happens, we are in a strong position to provide financial support to the families and beneficiaries of the public servants touched,” adds Michelle Brown, Heroes Club Vice President. “We find a way to link civilians with those officials involved in public service, not only through contributions to the life insurance policy, but also through events where citizens can interact with police and firefighters to build relationships.”

“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,” says Mayor James Brainard. “This benefit is important not only for our officers, but for the families of these officers.”

According to Police Chief Jeff Horner, “The Heroes Club has been a great partner and supporter of the Carmel Police Department for many years. They provide the comfort and peace of mind 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.”

“The Heroes Club continues to be a loyal and trusted partner of the Carmel Firefighters,” adds Fire Chief David Haboush. “Their support allows our men and women the peace of mind to focus on doing their mission, helping our community during emergency situations, knowing if something were to happen, their loved ones will be taken care of.  We 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 our protectors the best possible means of doing their jobs. All dues and donations are tax-deductible and 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.

Show your appreciation for your local heroes and help The Heroes Club reach its goal of providing crucial aid to the men and women who watch over us every day.

“The Heroes Club has been a great partner and supporter of the Carmel Police Department for many years,” Chief Horner says. “They provide the comfort and peace of mind 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.”

Become a member of The Heroes Club and join them for an upcoming community appreciation event, a reception to be held on May 2nd at 6 pm at 3UP Rooftop Bar at Monon & Main in Carmel.

For more information on how to support or donate, visit theheroesclub.org.