(From left) Carmel Firefighter Tim Griffin, Active Volunteer Tom Porteous, BAR Board Member Austin Leum, Carmel Firefighter and Auxiliary President Renee Butts, VFW Post 10003 Quartermaster Callagher Chaffin, and President and Found of BAR Brandon Leum. (Photo provided)
Posted By: The Reporter December 15, 2025
By RENEE BUTTS
Carmel Fire Department Public Education Officer
The Carmel Fire Auxiliary and Carmel VFW Post 10003 were proud to present a $9,000 donation – raised through this year’s Movember initiative – to Building A Refuge (BAR).
Their work aligns perfectly with the heart of Movember, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make this contribution possible.
Community partners played an important role in this effort as well. After seeing a recent newspaper article about our Movember campaign, Dr. Ronald Miller of Carmel Orthodontics and Matt Frey, owner of Bub’s Burgers, immediately stepped forward to get involved. Their support was extraordinary. Bub’s employees wore promotional shirts, and passed out flyers throughout the month to raise awareness, and Dr. Miller rallied his entire practice – growing a mustache himself and generously matching all donations that came in.
Movember, a global movement dedicated to men’s health, is highlighted every November, and the Carmel Fire Department proudly participates each year. Our focus is to encourage male firefighters to become strong advocates for their own health. With occupational cancer remaining the number one health threat to firefighters – and PTSD following closely behind – it is critical that we confront these challenges openly and proactively.
That is why Building A Refuge was the perfect partner for this campaign. As a caring, local mental-health organization based here in Carmel, they provide vital resources, support, and community for men navigating life’s challenges. Their mission aligns seamlessly with the Carmel Fire Department’s commitment to improving the physical and mental well-being of our firefighters and our community.
The Carmel Fire Auxiliary are truly thrilled to support Building A Refuge and to help more men connect with the valuable services they offer. For more information, go to buildingarefuge.org.
