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.
-
Tenants at Hubbard Gardens apartments dealing with raw sewage coming out of sink
Residents at Hubbard Gardens apartments are frustrated. They tell WRTV they've been living with raw sewage coming out of their sinks for over a month.IMPD hopes community day builds trust in Indianapolis
The department closed down Georgia Street between Meridian and Illinois Streets to welcome over 40 different vendors representing different businesses and government agencies on Thursday.Former IMPD employee, Southport PD chaplain arrested for child molestation
A former IMPD and Southport PD chaplain has been arrested for molesting a child more than 100 times, according to court documents.City of Indianapolis to rent 30 apartments for those experiencing homelessness
It's called "Master Leasing" and is a pilot program that would pay rent for around 30 apartment units starting in November.