The following is a press release written by Kaytee Lorentzen for the Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington and The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce's Foundation.
This year marks the second year of the Valor Awards, a distinguished ceremony brought to you by the Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington in partnership with the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony is dedicated to honoring the bravery and selflessness of our first responders. Set to spotlight these everyday heroes, the Valor Awards will recognize one individual from each sector for their exemplary service. The event, proudly presented by Old National Bank and Weddle Bros. Construction Companies, will unfold at the Monroe Convention Center on Tuesday, May 6th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Nominations were solicited from Monroe County entities in four categories: law enforcement, fire, correctional center, and emergency medical technicians, with an outside selection committee tasked with reviewing submissions. The winners of each category will be announced during the awards presentation. The following individuals have been nominated in recognition for their outstanding service:
- Law Enforcement
- Cpl. Josh Fuller – Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
- Detective Jon Muscato – Bloomington Police Department
- Melissa Stone – Bloomington Police Department (Social Worker)
- Officer Aaron Thomas – Indiana University Police Department
- Officer Matt Williams – DNR Bloomington
- Fire Department
- Capt. Ryan Fipps – Monroe Fire Protection District
- Capt. Jayden Elkins – City of Bloomington Fire Department
- Correctional Center
- Officer Sam Crowe – Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Sgt. Brandon Hudson – Bloomington: Mobile Integrated Healthcare
- Dr. Andrew Waters - IU Health LifeLine EMS
The Exchange Club has a longstanding tradition of honoring law enforcement and firefighters. This year, in collaboration with the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, donations from the event will support Back the Line Monroe County, a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization that offers support to Monroe County's first responders and their families when tragedy strikes.
“Back the Line exists to support and promote our local first responders. We feel privileged to serve our local dispatch, EMS, fire and police departments. We know these local heroes give their all to serve our community,” says Megan Harris, Vice President of Back the Line Monroe County. “It is our Honor to come alongside them and support them in their endeavors. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington and the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce to support this mission.”
Back the Line offers immediate monetary and emotional support to the surviving families of a fallen or disabled Monroe County first responder. Back the Line actively supports first responders’ mental health and morale during the year by providing access to peer support, chaplain services, social workers, grief counseling, and incident debriefings.
“The Valor Awards have quickly become a meaningful tradition in our community,” said Eric Spoonmore, President & CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to continue this partnership with the Exchange Club to recognize the courage and dedication of our first responders. Their actions uplift us all, and this event reflects our deep appreciation for their invaluable service.”
“The Valor Awards exemplify the mission of the Exchange Club to honor those who serve with courage, compassion, and integrity,” said Gary Bishop, President of the Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington. “This event is more than a ceremony—it’s a heartfelt thank you to the individuals who protect and support our community every single day. We are proud to stand with our partners in acknowledging their bravery.”
The Exchange Club's tradition of honoring law enforcement and firefighters stands as a cornerstone of its mission, celebrating the unwavering commitment and courage of those who ensure public safety and well-being. The annual recognition acts as a profound acknowledgment of the bravery, sacrifice, and service exhibited by these individuals. It underscores the community's appreciation and respect for their roles, thereby strengthening the bond between first responders and the communities they serve.
The Valor Awards celebration will include time to network among attendees prior to the awards presentation. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m. For more information about the Valor Awards, or to purchase tickets to the event, contact the Chamber at (812) 336‐3681 or visit the Chamber’s website at ChamberBloomington.org.
About the Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington:
The Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington is a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization working to make our communities better places to live with three core values, Commitment to Family, Commitment to the Community, and Commitment to the County. The Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington was founded in 1957 and officially chartered in 1958 by Carl Stewart. Three Programs of Service, Americanism, Youth Programs, and Community Service, as well as Exchange’s National Project, the prevention of child abuse, are lenses through which local clubs focus their energy and attention on their community's needs.
About the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization serving as our community’s leading advocate for business. We offer unique leadership opportunities, meaningful volunteer activities, and exclusive business-building programs focused on critical economic, civic, and social priorities. Chamber members support each other and community initiatives, sharing information and resources to help create economic opportunity and community well-being. At the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, we believe that better business leads to a better community.
About Back the Line Monroe County:
At Back the Line of Monroe County, our mission is to promote hope and compassion within our first responder community. We firmly believe that even a small action can have a significant impact. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we aim to make a positive difference in times of need.
Contact:
Kaytee Lorentzen
Director of Communications & Events
812-336-6381
