Injured in shooting last summer Officer Nolan Mancera returns to duty

Struck at close range by a bullet in the shooting outside the Hilton Garden Inn on June 18, Officer Nolan Mancera spent the last four months recovering from his wound, probably thanking his lucky stars, and undoubtedly champing at the bit to return to patrol.

Mancera was shot after he and Lt. David Virijevich were attempting to speak with a suspicious male subject on Gateway Blvd. It was a bright, sunny day and Mancera and Virijevich had no reason to think that this suspicious subject was different from any of the scores of suspicious subjects with whom they’ve made contact over their careers.

But this guy pulled a handgun and began firing. Mancera, immediately hit, returned fire, as did Virijevich, prompting the man—we’ll never know why—to put the gun to his own head and pull the trigger.

Mere seconds of chaos to alter forever the lives of Mancera and Virijevich, their families and friends, their colleagues, and the bystanders at the scene who had the misfortune to witness violence.

Virijevich returned to duty some time ago but Mancera spent the rest of the summer and much of the fall convalescing.

So it was with a glad heart that Chesterton Police Chief Tim Richardson made an announcement at the Town Council’s meeting Monday night, Oct. 13.

“Probably the best news I can give you tonight is that Officer Nolan returned to duty today, his first day back since the shooting,” Richardson reported. “I’d just like to say how proud I am of our police department, the entire town, the Town Council, and all the area police departments that lent support to both Lt. Virijevich and Officer Mancera during that difficult time.”

“It’s a great day,” Richardson reflected. “Officer Mancera came back to duty. I’m proud of both officers. I will be proud of these officers until the day I don’t do this anymore. In my eyes they’re heroes. They saved the lives of a lot of people that day. I’m just so proud of them and I’ll always remain proud of them.”

“They were heroes,” agreed Member Jim Ton, R-1st. “I’m awfully glad to see them back, both of them.”

Welcome back, Officer Nolan and Lt. Virijevich. Thank you for your service and stay frosty.💙