INDIANAPOLIS — As part of National Police Week IMPD Sergeant Matthew Morgan was honored as an honorable mention for the prestigious TOP COPS award.
On Aug. 7, 2017 Sergeant Morgan responded to a person struck by a train behind the Garden City Elementary School located at 4901 Rockville Rd. Sergeant Morgan had detailed knowledge of the area from working the district for the past 15 years. He knew there was a path through a creek leading up to the tracks, which are otherwise inaccessible due to fencing. He waded through the creek and climbed a steep hill to get to the sounds of a crying female victim.
Once he arrived he discovered that the victim was 11 year old Breanna Brooks. Breanna lived nearby and was playing on the tracks with her friends when she was struck. Sergeant Morgan pushed Breanna’s shredded tissue back in place, which was necessary before he could apply the tourniquet. He then applied the tourniquet and continued lifesaving efforts. Breanna was crying asking if she was going to die. Sergeant Morgan comforted her and assured her she was not.
He ordered officers responding to the scene to nearby convenience stores to grab bags of ice hoping Breanna’s leg could be re-attached if put on ice in time. The nearest help was 5 minutes away due to the limited access to the area and the train still being on the track. Had it not been for Sergeant Morgan’s knowledge of the area and calm demeanor Breanna would most likely not survived. Doctors were unable to reattach Breanna’s leg. Sergeant Morgan visited her in the hospital and had a “lunch date” with her later in the week bringing her McDonald’s.
His efforts attracted so much attention local first responders banded together and later built a handicapped ramp for Breanna at her home.