INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis police officer who nearly died in July when he was shot in the head while pursuing a robbery and slaying suspect was given the department's highest honor Sunday before the Indianapolis Colts game against Jacksonville.

A crowd of about 60,000 fans gave Officer Jason Fishburn a hearty cheer and standing ovation as he slowly made his way to the center of the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, aided by his wife and a cane.

Fishburn was given the Medal of Honor and a Purple Heart. The officer was emotional as he accepted the honor. A Medal of Honor is usually only given to an officer posthumously.

"He's not able to articulate what he wants to say," said Indianapolis police Sgt. Dennis Fishburn, Jason's father. "You can see it in his eyes how happy he was to see the support of all those blue jerseys rooting him on."

"I think he was humbled," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "He needs to understand that he deserves this."

Fishburn was released from a rehabilitation hospital earlier this month.

The officer was shot on July 10 as he tried to apprehend Brian Reese, who is now charged in three slayings.

"(Reese is) a very vicious suspect -- a man who had killed others in a very savage fashion. Jason didn't back down one bit," said Indianapolis Police Chief Michael Spears.

Fishburn's chance of survival was deemed slim, and his recovery has been called miraculous. He is still working to regain strength in his right side and regain speech.

Surgery planned in two weeks will replace lost parts of his skull with prosthetics.

"He still has a long way to go, and that's why I always say, 'Don't stop those prayers, Indianapolis,'" Dennis Fishburn said. "We need them more and more so that he can get back to the Jason Fishburn that we all know and love."

Fishburn will continue to receive therapy at an outpatient facility that specializes in brain trauma.