Wounded Officer Honored For Service, Sacrifice

INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis police longevity ceremony took on new meaning Friday for members of the 100th recruit class and for the family of Officer Jason Fishburn.

Fishburn, who was shot in the line of duty last week, was set to be honored with the rest of his class for five years of service.

Friday's ceremony was moved to Wishard Hospital, where Fishburn is recovering, so his family could attend, 6News' Renee Jameson reported.

"Today is a day I think of as a new beginning," Fishburn's father, IMPD Sgt. Dennis Fishburn, told the crowd. "By him receiving this award ... I realize the great capacity for him to maybe come back and continue his service as he gets well."

Along with his five-year award, Jason Fishburn was honored with a purple heart and the department's highest award, the Medal of Honor.

"What I hope the family takes away from this and others take from this is that Jason will never be forgotten," said IMPD Chief Michael Spears. "Jason's service will always be remembered. He will never be left behind."

At the end of the program, the police color guard, along with Jason Fishburn's family and police and city leaders walked to his hospital room where the awards were presented in a private ceremony.

"I've been on the department 27 years. And, I thought, if I could take his place, I would," Dennis Fishburn said. "But, to see him get this award, I'm just so pleased and happy as a dad. I'm just proud."

The Fishburn family tells 6News Jason is showing progress, and said that he sat up in a chair Friday.

He was shot twice July 10 while chasing a man now charged in three recent murders.

Doctors said he is conscious, responding to verbal commands and undergoing therapy at Wishard Hospital.