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 an 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 SWAT Training coordinator, Sniper/Observer, an Indiana Law Enforcement Academy certified firearms and patrol rifle instructor, and an NRA Firearms 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. He survived a fatal gunfight in December of 2024, saving the lives of two of his fellow officers. 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 LLC, a professional safety and firearms coaching/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 House of Worship Coordinator Rob Bogle
Rob was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he came to faith in Christ and was baptized at Landmark Church. He graduated from Landmark Christian School in 1998, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Rob continued his athletic career at Maranatha Baptist University, where he graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s degree in Church Ministries with minors in Bible and Youth Ministries. After moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2006, Rob has spent more than 23 years serving in church leadership roles, including Youth Pastor, Worship Pastor, Senior Pastor, Director of Operations, Stewardship Pastor, and Men’s and Outreach Pastor. He has also managed a $2.5 million ministry budget and helped lead and train church safety teams. Rob currently serves on a church safety team, is the Houses of Worship Coordinator for Fries Consulting, and is an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer pursuing Advanced CPTED certification, he is passionate about helping churches strengthen leadership and safety preparedness. Rob is the husband of Kasee and father of two.
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.