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.
-
2 shot after argument over youth football game at Cardinal Ritter High School
Two men were shot following a dispute during a youth football game at Cardinal Ritter High School on Saturday night.Hurricane Milton forecast to become a Category 4 storm before Florida landfall
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency in 35 counties as Tropical Storm Milton prepares to hit the Sunshine State.Death toll from Hurricane Helene rises to 227 as recovery efforts continue
The death toll from Hurricane Helene inched up to 227 as the grim task of recovering bodies continued more than a week after the monster storm ravaged the Southeast and killed people in six states.Indianapolis organization works to help those who were once incarcerated
Jesus Inside Prison Ministry and the Jesus House gave out free clothes, food and toys to anyone in need. The organization is a re-entry program for ex-felons.