Chief Deputy Mike Jones Honored As Anthem Angel This Past SundayINDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts are proud to announce a resident of Swayzee, Ind. as a 2008 honoree of the Anthem Angels program, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Chief Deputy Mike Jones, of the Swayzee Police Department, was recognized at the Colts home game this past Sunday, September 7, 2008, for his outstanding contribution to the community.
Mike Jones, nominated by his wife, Amber, has been a dedicated member of the Swayzee Police Department for six and a half years.
On December 29, 2007, 9-1-1 emergency dispatch received a call in regards to a fire at 101 S. Taylor Street in Swayzee, Indiana. The Swayzee Volunteer Fire Department was notified, but Chief Deputy Jones arrived first on the scene. Upon his arrival Jones, witnessed thick black smoke and the residence engulfed in flames. He was advised that there were three small children inside. Jones, without any fire equipment, entered the burning structure and rescued the three children ages one, two, and three. After Jones made two entries into the home to rescue the three children, he made a third attempt to save a family pet. Jones placed the children in his police car to keep them safe and out of the cold until medical help arrived. Chief Deputy Jones accomplished this before any other emergency responders arrived. Without his actions, the children would not have survived. The flames were so intense that fire crew could not gain entry upon their arrival. The house was a total loss.
In honor of Mike's heroism, he received four (4) VIP Club Seat Tickets to the Colts game, a feature story with his photo in the Colts gameday magazine (the Scout) and on www.colts.com, as well as recognition on the hhGregg Big Screens in Lucas Oil Stadium during the game.
"Anthem Angels…Honoring Everyday Heroes" was established by the Indianapolis Colts and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to pay tribute to Hoosier "First Respondents" who may have received little or no recognition for the strides they have made to help others in human-service related professions.
Nominations are still being accepted for upcoming 2008 home games. For more information about Anthem Angels, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, please visit www.colts.com/anthemangels.
