PRESS RELEASE: The Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington and the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Host the 2026 Valor Awards

This year marks the third 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 Simtra BioPharma Solutions, will unfold at Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington’s Shreve Hall on Thursday, May 14th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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Nominations were solicited from Monroe County entities in four categories: law enforcement, fire, correctional center, and dispatch, 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
  • Master Trooper Matthew Fleener – Indiana State Police Department
  • Sgt. Richard Hall – Ellettsville Police Department
  • Senior Officer Jonathan Hoffmeister – Bloomington Police Department
  • Sgt. Austin Magness – Indiana University Police Department
  • Cpl. Payton Windsor – Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
• Fire Department
  • Capt. Matt Muehling – City of Bloomington Fire Department
  • Lt. Bryce Williams – Monroe Fire Protection District
  • Chief Jason Zeeks – City of Bloomington
• Correctional Center
  • Staff Sgt. George Trippany – Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
• Dispatch
  • BreAnna Axsom – Monroe County Central Dispatch

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​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, 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 of Northside Bloomington 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 represent what the Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington is all about—honoring service, strengthening community, and recognizing those who put others before themselves,” said Stephen Galvin, President of the Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington. “Each of these nominees demonstrates the kind of courage and commitment that makes our community stronger. We are proud to help shine a light on their work and to partner in an event that brings our community together in appreciation.”
 
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. 
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