INDIANAPOLIS — Dozens of people attended Saturday's Black History Month retiree breakfast that honored current and former IMPD officers who are Black.
The event, held at the JCC Center on the north side of Indianapolis, gave past officers a chance to reunite with those still on the force. One officer told 13News that the event is important as it helps raise awareness about the contributions of Black police officers.
"It's also important to honor not only just the current ones and ones that have retired, but also the ones that have died decades, sometimes even a century ago," retired IMPD Detective Ronald Mills said. "We had officers back in the 1800s that weren't recognized at all. Some of them weren't even recognized until today."
A "Blessing of the Badges" ceremony, meant to recognize those who risk their lives to protect others, wrapped up the Feb. 24 event.