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.
-
35-year-old man dies after being pulled from pond in Noblesville
A 35-year-old man died after being rescued from a retention pond in Noblesville on Friday, according to Noblesville Police Department.High school football scores 2024: Week 5
It’s the fifth week of the 2024 high school football season. See all of the high school football scores in Indiana from Friday, September 20, 2024.Man shot, killed on Indy’s north side
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the 7700 block of Kenworthy Drive on reports of a person shot just before 8 p.m.IMPD officer working to bridge the gap between IMPD and Hispanic Hoosiers
Maria Pallares Ochoa is an instructor at the IMPD training academy. She says her Latina upbringing has made a difference in her service and commitment to the community.