A new organization is forming with the purpose of providing financial assistance to families of fallen police and firefighters in Lake and Porter counties.
Merrillville Clerk-Treasurer Eugene Guernsey, a former police officer, is behind the creation of the 100 Club of Northwest Indiana, which he said will have three main objectives.
If a police officer or firefighter serving on a Lake or Porter County department dies in the line of duty, the club will immediately provide the surviving family with funding to help pay funeral expenses.
The organization also will designate funding to help pay for the family's housing and to provide college scholarships for children of fallen emergency personnel.
Guernsey said there are numerous reasons behind his wanting to create the 100 Club of Northwest Indiana, and one of them is to show emergency personnel "that the community is behind them 100 percent."
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He said police and firefighters are "expected to put their life on the line" in their careers.
Knowing there is an established program to assist surviving families "can take the pressure off them so they can do their job," Guernsey said.
He said there are active 100 Clubs in many areas of the country, and the idea for them started decades ago.
The creation of the 100 Club of Northwest Indiana is in its early stages, and there will be a variety of fundraising to support the club's initiatives. Among them will be seeking people committed to making annual $100 contributions for 10 years.
"Mine will be the first check," Guernsey said.
Guernsey said he understands those choosing to make charitable contributions need to know their money will be handled responsibly.
To establish that trust, the 100 Club of Northwest Indiana will be governed by a seven-person volunteer board, he said. Five of the members already have been selected.
They include Guernsey, Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor, certified public accountant John Lowenstine, Centier Bank Vice President Jennifer Doffin and attorney Michael Deppe.
"It's a worthy organization," Snedecor said.
Deppe said he will handle efforts so the club can obtain nonprofit status, which is needed before donations can be accepted.
Guernsey is seeking people interested to fill the two remaining spots on the board, and the five existing members will decide from candidates who apply to serve on the panel.
Those interested in obtaining more information about the 100 Club of Northwest Indiana can contact the Deppe Law Center at 219-962-5900.
