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.
-
Indy DPW continues to plow roads ahead of another round of snow on Friday
Indy DPW is currently working to clear off roads still covered in snow from the recent winter storm. Primary and secondary streets are in good shape, the focus is now on connector streets.
Donate to the victims of the Southern California wildfires
The Scripps Howard Fund, a charity established by WRTV's parent company, The E.W. Scripps Company, has launched a disaster relief campaign to help the victims of the wildfires in California.
Snow and cold expected through a swath of the southern US this week
Freezing rain and snow was forecasted to move into the southern U.S. Wednesday, setting up days of bad weather from Texas to the U.S. East Coast.
Here's how the animals at the Indianapolis Zoo are coping with the cold
While the animals come from around the world, they're just like us: trying to make it through another Indiana winter.
