MELROSE — Melrose Police Chief Kevin Faller hosted the Executive Director of The Hundred Club of Massachusetts on the most recent episode of his podcast on Melrose Massachusetts Television (MMTV).
Chief Faller launched the “Behind the Badge” Podcast on MMTV in January 2024, shortly after becoming chief, with support from MMTV staff.
The Chief wanted to modernize the department’s community outreach efforts by engaging with residents on social media and other mediums. He also wanted to bring a more human element to law enforcement by welcoming department members to share their roles within the community.
In the sixth episode of “Behind the Badge,” which was shared days ago, Chief Faller spoke with Tracie Hines, Executive Director of The Hundred Club of Massachusetts.
For more than 65 years, The Hundred Club of Massachusetts has been the only statewide organization solely dedicated to supporting the families of fallen first responders. The Hundred Club’s motto: “We care for those who care for us.”
When tragedy strikes, The Hundred Club provides support to the families of fallen first responders within 24 to 48 hours. For those families who have lost a love one in the line of duty, the support lasts a lifetime.
The Hundred Club stepped in when Melrose Officer Stephen Galvin passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2025. The Hundred Club provided immediate support to Officer Galvin’s wife and two sons.
Chief Faller invited Executive Director Hines on to the podcast to help share the message of what The Hundred Club does with the Melrose community.
Executive Director Hines explained the origins of The Hundred Club of Massachusetts, which was founded in 1959. It is one of many Hundred Clubs around the country, which are not affiliated but all serve the families of fallen first responders.
The Hundred Club also provides scholarships for children of line of duty fallen first responders and support for mental health and grief counseling.
Lt. Paul Norton spoke about hearing from Hines on the day that Officer Galvin passed away, and the relief felt by his widow at receiving help.
“The level of stress that came off her shoulders — I mean, I could hear it through the phone,” Lt. Norton said. “It was just amazing.”
Officer Tommy Grant also appeared on the podcast because Melrose Police Officers are participating in the 2026 Boston Bruins BFit Challenge to show their appreciation for The Hundred Club’s support.
“The original goal of ‘Behind the Badge’ was to bring some of our officers in studio to learn more about who they are as individuals, what their role is on the department, and to enlighten the community more of what our job entails on a daily basis,” said Chief Faller. “As the podcast grew, I also thought it was also important to bring in community members and organizations that we work with as well.
“The role of a police officer is constantly evolving, and to maintain and improve transparency, trust, and communication with the community in which we serve, we must use whatever tools are available to us to help that relationship. This podcast has been successful so far and we hope to build upon it.”
To listen to the podcast, click here.
To donate to the Melrose Police effort to support The Hundred Club of Massachusetts, visit: https://runsignup.com/mpdbfit.
To learn more about The Hundred Club of Massachusetts, visit: https://100clubmass.org/.
To listen to the Behind the Badge Podcast, or other podcasts offered by MMTV, visit: mmtv3.org/.
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