Earlier this month, a situation unfolded that found three Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers responding to what can only be described as every community member's nightmare—a juvenile male, name withheld, was the recipient of a life-altering bullet.
In an incident that could have ended in irreparable tragedy, Officers Keller, Ashby, and Morge were the embodiment of swift action and precise training. Responding to the January 5 call, they found the boy with a critical arterial gunshot wound, quickly losing his fight with life. According to a social media post from North District IMPD, the officers managed to "quickly recognize the victim was suffering from a life-threatening arterial gunshot wound with significant blood loss." Despite the chaos that undoubtedly swirled around them, they were able to decisively and correctly apply a tourniquet to stem the bleeding, keeping the juvenile conscious.
The North District IMPD's post went on to add, "Their teamwork, communication, and training were critical in stabilizing the victim until EMS arrived." The gravity of their success could easily get buried under a mountain of daily briefing reports, but the on-scene EMS physician confirmed the depth of their impact, stating that their rapid response and correct application of the tourniquet "directly saved the juvenile’s life." It's clear these officers have been deservedly awarded the Life-Saving Award. "Their actions exemplify professionalism, courage, and dedication to service," says North District IMPD.
