INDIANAPOLIS — February 27, 2022 is a day that forever changed the life of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officer Thomas Mangan.
Mangan was shot in the neck while responding to a call in Fountain Square. After shots were fired, his partner, Officer Dan Majors and four other officers rushed to help their wounded colleague.
IMPD says less than five minutes after the gunfire ended, firefighters on IFD Engine 3 arrived at the scene. The four firefighters went into the scene, loaded Mangan into the fire engine and met an ambulance on the way to the hospital.
"There's family that is blood related; there's a really tight bond that's there. Family is also who God puts in your life and [who] are there for you. Out in the community you don't know who those people are until you say hi to them," Mangan said.
On Friday, Mangan was awarded the Purple Heart and Medal of Valor. Officer Majors was also awarded a Medal of Valor. The IFD firefighters each got a life-saving certificate.
PREVIOUS: 'It's about service' IMPD officer who was shot and critically injured in Feb. finds strength in his faith | 'It hasn't been easy': Injured IMPD officer, wife share health update and message of thanks
Mangan said the event brought tears to his eyes and he expressed his gratitude for those around him. The shooting damaged his Adam's apple and voice box and he has been working on speech exercises as his voice strengthens.
"I can also thank all of them in person and thank them personally since I haven't been able to thank them in the past when I couldn't speak," Mangan said.
Like she has been throughout Mangan's journey and recovery, his wife Emory Mangan joined him at the ceremony.
-
Lafayette police located missing 11-year-old girl
An 11-year-old girl who was reported missing in Lafayette has been located safely, according to the Lafayette Police Department.6 of Ten Point Coalition's patrol areas have not recorded a murder this year
The Ten-Point Coalition hopes to stop violence in Indianapolis by walking the streets at night where crime might happen, and officials say the plan is showing results.More schools across the state of Indiana are meeting literacy requirements
In total, 285 schools showed that that 95% of their students are reading proficiently. That is an increase of more than 40 schools from the prior year.Hundreds of Indiana National Guard members deploying to the Middle East
600 members of the Indiana National Guard are getting ready to deploy. The 38th Infantry Division is headed to the Middle East. A departure ceremony was held for families and friends.