Meet Our Team
Executive Director Ben Fries
Ben was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1989 and baptized at Lifehouse Church of Huntertown Indiana in 2019. In 2011 Ben graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) with honors and started his career as a police officer. Ben continued his education by graduating in 2014 from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science and Associate of Arts. He then followed this by graduating from Indiana University with a Master of Science in Education (Counseling Psychology), in 2018. Currently Ben is a full-time police supervisor, K9 handler, SWAT Team Member and Training coordinator, Sniper/Observer, and an ILEA-certified firearms and patrol rifle instructor. Ben has been awarded various departmental awards including the Bronze Star of Valor, Bronze Star of Meritorious Service Award, and three life-saving awards. Ben is married to Mallory and they have four children. Besides being the Executive Director of the Foundation, Ben created, operates, and owns Fries Consulting, a professional safety and firearms teaching and training organization.
Board Member and Training Development Kent Herriott
Kent Herriott was born in Muncie, Indiana, in 1962 and baptized at North Christian Church, Fort Wayne, in 1974. He graduated from Carroll High School in 1980 and began his career in law enforcement in 1984 when he joined the Allen County Police Reserves. Kent was sworn in as a full-time police officer in 1988. Over his 36-year career he served as a K9 handler, supervisor, field training officer coordinator and developed the Limited Response Officer training program. Kent retired in 2020 and joined Fries Consulting in 2024 as a classroom instructor and training developer. He is married to Ingrid who is a full-time supervisor with the Allen County Police Department. Together they have one son, Joseph, who also aspires to become a police officer.
Board Member and Media Director Abbie Heck
Abbie Heck was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and baptized at Saint Jude’s Catholic Church in 2003. She graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School in 2021 and is currently working towards a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She began working as a Veterinary Assistant in the winter of 2022, specializing in the care of Police Working K-9 Dogs for the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, and other police agencies in surrounding areas of Northern Indiana. At the beginning of 2025, Abbie joined Fries Consulting as the Photographer, Videographer, and Media Manager.
Board Member and Treasurer Keith Layman
Keith Layman was born in 1974 in Fort Wayne, Indiana and baptized at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He owns and operates an independent SEC-registered Investment Advisory Firm, Apple Tree Asset Management, and has been doing investment management for 25 years, taxes and accounting for 19 of those 25 years, and has ownership in other businesses in Fort Wayne. Keith has served on boards of and fundraised, done accounting work, and grant writing for numerous not-for-profits. Currently, Keith is the chairman of the elders at Christ’s Church Fort Wayne and fundraises and helps operate Children and Women’s Support Initiative Uganda. He has been married to his wife, Regina, for 28 years and they have three daughters.