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.
-
IMPD asking for public's help in locating missing teenage girl
IMPD is asking for the public's help in locating missing 15-year-old Skylyn Negron who was last seen on the city's south side on Tuesday.Westfield Schools to open facility teaching life-readiness
Shamrock Station will provide students with work opportunities in fields that include culinary arts, event management, media, and special education.Parents charged after 2 Westfield Middle Schoolers hospitalized from taking meth
Two parents face charges of drug possession and neglect after two Westfield Middle Schoolers were hospitalized from meth consumption.21-year-old man found fatally shot on Indy's northeast side
Police are investigating after finding a body with trauma at E. 21st Street and Sheldon Street Wednesday.