A Heart for Service

Fishers Police Corps Secretary Ranae Gourley didn’t grow up in Fishers, but her love for the city she has called home since 1995 runs deep.

Originally from Dyer, Indiana, Gourley graduated from Ball State University and married her husband, Darren, right after. She worked most of her career in insurance, but once the couple had children (Ben, 25, and David, 22), she decided to stay home and enjoy their years of childhood. As her children grew up, Gourley started giving back to the community by working within the Hamilton Southeastern school district as well as Geist Elementary and Fall Creek Intermediate schools.

“Darren and I moved to Fishers in 1995 mainly because of the location and the wonderful schools,” she says. “Over the years we have watched Fishers grow from a town to a city. I love the growth. Even though we have grown by leaps and bounds, Fishers still has a small-town feel.”

Gourley describes feeling a sense of belonging in Fishers, appreciating that everywhere she goes, she sees people she knows.

“I really feel like people go out of their way to get to know each other and take care of each other,” she says.

Gourley felt that sentiment more than ever in 2020, when her niece passed away in a car accident in the Fishers/Noblesville area.

“We went to the scene, and as chaotic and stressful as it was, the one thing I noticed were the first responders and all they were doing for our family,” Gourley says. “I believe it was Fred Rogers who once said “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” That is what I did that night, and from that point forward I wanted to help those who help others.”

As a civilian, Gourley knew she couldn’t really comprehend everything that first responders face. They have dedicated their careers to help and protect others, and she knows how important it is to take care of them and let them know how much they are appreciated.

So, Gourley went one step further after a friend told her about the Fishers Police Department Citizens Academy.

“The Academy was a great opportunity to learn about the operations of the police department,” she says. “It exceeded my expectations, and once I graduated I joined the Fishers Police Corps, an organization made up of the graduates from this academy. We have 66 active members on the roster who volunteer their time and talents for the betterment of the Fishers Police Department in a variety of endeavors.”

The mission is to support the department’s goal of protecting and securing the city, and protecting the future of local children – and supporting the officers to enable them to achieve their highest standards.

Gourley also enrolled in the Fishers Fire Department’s (FFD) Citizens Academy a couple of years ago.

“Once again it exceeded my expectations and I wanted to be involved, so I joined the Fishers Fire Corps,” she says. “This amazing group of volunteers plays a vital role in helping FFD achieve their mission of providing the highest level of prevention, preparedness and intervention in all hazards, by helping educate more community members about prevention and preparedness through community events.”

She has been volunteering 12 to 15 hours a week at the fire department for two years now and looks forward to every day that she goes in.

“They have welcomed me as a part of their family, and I hope they feel appreciated by me as much as I feel appreciated and cared for by them,” Gourley says.

Her favorite accomplishment, though, has been her children.

“Like most moms, I would say my biggest success has been my children,” she says. “They are who I am most proud of. I can honestly say that my parents instilled a servant’s heart in me to serve with the right motivation and put the needs of others in the community first. That brings me joy. I am also super thankful for my husband, Darren, who supports me 100% with what I do, because he knows my passion to help others and also knows how much I love our community.”