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.
-
Roof destroyed by falling tree due to Hurricane Helene's remnants
A tree toppled onto Bruce Gootee's home near the intersection of East 25th Street and Webster Avenue on Sept. 27. The roof remains damaged two weeks later.Interpreters help spanish speaking patients at IU Health
The program is available to patients who request an interpreter for medical appointments. Interpreters like Liz Cortes Perez have a deep passion for their work.City of Beech Grove to change its name while Taylor Swift is in town
The city will be called Beech Grove (Taylor's Version) from November 1-3. Main Street will host Taylor-themed events throughout the whole weekend.Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana now serving people in recovery from addiction
The NO Limits Recovery Program was created in honor of Nathan Otolski. He used to work for Meals on Wheels but passed away from a drug overdose in 2022.