Chicago

Joe Ahern accepts the award on behalf of the 100 Club of Chicago.
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The Chicago Division honors the 100 Club of Chicago for their support of the fallen families of fallen public safety professionals.

Founded nearly 50 years ago, the mission of the 100 Club is to provide support to the surviving spouses and dependents of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics who lost their lives in the line of duty. This includes federal, state, county, and local officers, firefighters, and paramedics stationed in and working out of Cook County. The 100 Club eases the financial burden for these families by providing immediate financial support and assistance with the cost of higher education. The 100 Club has provided benefits to more than 256 families of fallen public safety professionals, totaling more than $9 million. On average, the organization assists five families every year.

Mr. Joe Ahern is the CEO for the 100 Club. Since taking office in 2010, Mr. Ahern has put in place new programs that have greatly expanded the club’s support of families in need. He has worked to raise awareness of the 100 Club’s mission, and, under his direction, membership has grown from 900 members to more than 2,000.