By Suzie Ziegler
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Police Officer Thomas Mangan was shot in the line of duty on February 27. The bullet went through his neck, causing severe damage to his laryngeal cartilage. Mangan might not be able to speak or swallow normally ever again, reported WTHR. But he lived – thanks to quick-thinking Indianapolis firefighters.
On Sunday, Mangan finally got to meet his rescuers.
According to the report, Mangan and his wife invited the firefighters to their home to thank them in person.
“Over coffee and banana bread lots of questions were asked and answered — giving both sides some much-needed closure,” the Indianapolis Fire Department said in a post. “Officer Mangan led the group in prayer and then headed outside to get an up-close view of the engine that transported him that fateful night in critical condition.”
Mangan was shot just two blocks away from a fire station. The crew sprang into action, driving Mangan to the hospital in a fire engine.
https://twitter.com/IFD_NEWS/status/1505661194320990213
“Engine 3 was instrumental in the sequence of lifesaving measures that ultimately saved Officer Mangan’s life and the long-awaited meeting was emotional for all,” IFD wrote.
Mangan shared an emotional letter on Facebook, thanking the firefighters for saving his life and describing the extent of his injuries.
“I wish I could speak to each one of you and thank you for your service to me and my family, yet written word will have to suffice for now,” Mangan wrote. “There are two unique aspects of my injury that I now see God worked out for my good on that particular day. Firstly, I am unable to cry audibly. Instead, tears stream my face and my throat swells causing me to choke and it feels hard to breath. Secondly, I can only see clearly one foot in front of me. I know had I been able to make out clearly each of your faces I would have been utterly overwhelmed to tears.”
https://www.facebook.com/IMPDNews/posts/328451632651637