On Friday, October 13, 2017 the Indiana State Police held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis to honor and recognize individuals from around the state for their dedication to service, bravery, and devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana. Honored at the ceremony were eight Indiana State Troopers, one reserve officer from the Rome City Police Department, and two civilians. This bi-annual event was started in 2010 to publicly recognize the achievements, deeds of self-sacrifice, and accomplishment that all too often go without the proper recognition.
Indiana State Trooper Aryaun Smith, Sergeant Josh Watson, and U.S. Postal Carrier Glenn Bass were among those that were presented with a Life Saving Award for their efforts on September 20, 2017. Smith, a three year veteran of the department, and Watson a thirteen year member of the Indiana State Police responded to Mr. Bass’ concerns about one his customers along his mail route.
Bass was delivering mail on the east side of Indianapolis when he noticed that one of his customers had uncharacteristically not collected his mail for several days. He suspected that something might be wrong with the man and contacted Trooper Smith who lives along the same street.  Smith went to the house and knocked on the door, checked windows and called out for the man.  She noticed glass in one of the garage doors had been recently broken which raised her suspicion.  After several minutes with no contact Smith contacted Indiana State Police Sgt. Josh Watson for assistance. Once Sgt. Watson arrived they again attempted to make contact with anyone that may be inside the home, but to no avail.  They spoke with a neighbor and determined that the man lived there alone and decided to force entry into the home to check his welfare.
Once inside the home they began hearing muffled sounds of distress coming from a back bedroom.  Inside the bedroom they found a man lying in the doorway who was extremely disoriented and unable to move. An ambulance was called and Trooper Smith and Sergeant Watson began rendering first aid. The man had fallen into a mirrored closet door that shattered causing several cuts to the victim who had been lying there for several days. The man spent multiple days in the hospital while he recovered from his injuries.
The swift and decisive action of Smith, Watson, and Mr. Bass most certainly helped avert tragedy that day. The celebrated outcome is a testament to the good that comes when the community and police work together, commented Lieutenant Jeffery Payne, Indianapolis District Commander.
