Fallen IMPD officer receives honor
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Congressional leaders gathered inside Spruance Hall to honor fallen Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officer Rod Bradway.
On September 20th, 2013, a gunman shot and killed Bradway as he responded to a 911 call for help.
Since his death U.S. Senators Dan Coats and Joe Donnelly, and U.S. Representative Andre Carson, with help from the U.S. Department of Justice, created the honor for Bradway by honoring him with the Congressional Badge of Bravery.
The Congressional Badge of Bravery was created by Congress in 2008 to honor exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. The badges are awarded annually by the U.S. Attorney General and are presented by the recipient’s Congressional representatives.
After a brief ceremony, Bradway’s widow thanked those in attendance and then said why her late husband became an officer.
“Being a police officer is a calling. It wasn’t just a job. It was a duty to him, he was proud to serve. He was proud to put on a uniform every day,” said Jaime Bradway.
Senator Joe Donnelly spoke to Bradway’s son and daughter. He also left the family with a special message.
“He went knowing he might not come out and there a was nothing else he wanted to do then to see you again,” said Senator Donnelly.