Police Officer Shot in Throat While on Duty Credits Faith During Recovery
When putting on the uniform, every police officer knows that there is a chance that they might not make it back home. This is the fear that went through Officer Thomas “Tommy” Mangan’s mind on February 27th.
Officer Mangan of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) was responding to a call in Fountain Square after 10 p.m., when he was shot in the neck, damaging his voice box and Adam’s apple, as reported by WXIN.
Officer Mangan was a first year officer who was in field training when the incident occurred.
After two long months, Emory shared her husband’s first words via Facebook. In the emotional video, Officer Mangan can be heard saying, “thank you Jesus… Thank you sweet, sweet Jesus.”
For the last few months, Officer Mangan has been recovering at home with his wife, Emory, by his side. The couple opened up for the first time since the incident, sharing how their faith in God got them through their ordeal.
“Being able to have faith and have that load be lightened is I believe the only way that it is possible to make it through,” said Officer Mangan in a six minute video released on IMPD’s Facebook account, “not only make it through but [become] stronger through it.”
When thinking about his road to recovery, Officer Mangan remains positive, knowing that God has a plan.
“One day at a time and being faithful in that, and seeing how that healing goes, getting back behind the wheel,” said Officer Mangan, “and I think I see what we’re called to do and where we can be used best.”
Even though they have been given a difficult task, Emory expresses how grateful they are, having officers and strangers around the country supporting and praying for them.
“We feel very thankful in the midst of this very hard thing that we never would have asked for, never would have wished for,” she said. “We see how the Lord has used it in our lives and how we’ve been able to meet all these incredible people and we’re just very thankful for that.”
When thinking about his brothers and sisters in blue, Officer Mangan had the following to say: “Everyday when you put on your vest, you put your belt on, your holster and are ready to take on the challenges of each day. You’re not alone. You also have a community that is backing you up.”
It is unclear what the future holds for the Mangans, but one thing is certain; with God’s grace, they will get through it together.
