INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (April 10, 2015) – Fallen IMPD Officer Rod Bradway received top honors for his acts of bravery. His widow, Jamie, accepted the Congressional Badge of Bravery during a ceremony Friday afternoon. Their children Sierra and Jonathan were also in the audience.
“Rod would be humbled to receive this and I’m very humbled to accept it for him. It’s quite an honor,” said Jamie Bradway.
Bradway was killed in the line of duty on September 20, 2013. He was ambushed as he entered an apartment unit after hearing a woman scream for help. Bradway’s response is credited with saving the life of that woman and her child. His brave actions that night have been praised by police and even Vice President Joe Biden.
“But it also talks with this issue of domestic violence in general and how police and the community have to continue to work together around mental health and all the real issues that cause violence in our community,” said Chief Hite.
U.S. Senators Dan Coats and Joe Donnelly, and U.S. Representative Andre Carson presented the badge. The award was created by congress in 2008 to honor acts of bravery in the line of duty. Federal, state and local law enforcement officers are eligible to receive the badge. Winners are selected by the U.S. Attorney General.
Bradway also received top recognition after his death when he was awarded a Medal of Honor and Purple Heart.
The Congressional Badge of Bravery is an award created to honor a law enforcement officer's exceptional act of bravery in the line of duty
— IMPD (@IMPDnews) April 10, 2015
Happening now: Ceremony to honor fallen officer Rod Bradway. He will receive the Congressional Badge of Bravery. pic.twitter.com/FApA5BepBR
— Liz Gelardi (@LizGelardi) April 10, 2015
Chief Rick Hite: He did something very heroic that night. #OfficerBradway pic.twitter.com/FZH7VfGSB8
— Liz Gelardi (@LizGelardi) April 10, 2015
Officer Bradway's widow receives the Congressional Badge of Bravery. She says it is quite an honor. pic.twitter.com/qlyTxPKBIq
— Liz Gelardi (@LizGelardi) April 10, 2015