INDIANAPOLIS — Family and friends gathered Wednesday for the IMPD honor awards program recognizing officers, staff and community members for their heroism, bravery and so much more.
IMPD Chief Chris Bailey told officers they are the first to run toward danger when others are running away.
"Your courage and selflessness save lives and inspire trust," Bailey told the staff. "Your efforts often go unnoticed and underappreciated but you are vital to our success."
Ofc. Nicholas Deem received the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart after responding to a scene that put him in a dangerous position.
On Oct. 26, 2023, a suspect grabbed Deem's handgun out of his holster and told him he was going to die. A shot was fired from the gun, allegedly by the suspect, striking Deem in the thigh.
The suspect then stood over Deem, still holding the officer's handgun. Deem retrieved the backup gun he carried, shooting the suspect, who was later arrested.
There was also the brave story of K-9 Ringo and his handler, Ofc. Taylor.
Officers responded to a burglary on Sept. 1, 2023, when a suspect inside of a business stabbed Ringo several times.
Taylor rushed in and eventually administered aid to save Ringo's life while another officer brought down the suspect.
"We're not out there to get a thank you or recognition from the people out there in the city but we do the stuff because it's something that we're proud of and it's something that we love to do," said Ofc. Marco Zaragoza.
Zaragoza was also honored during Wednesday's ceremony.
"Just about every single officer that came up there looked a little uncomfortable. They're not used to this kind of attention because they go out and they do their jobs everyday as quiet professionals putting themselves between good and evil on our behalf and we should be thankful for that," said Zaragoza.
Thankful the work they do to keep communities safe.