About the speaker
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.
