The call came a minute after midnight. People were trapped inside a vehicle that had gone into a retention pond on a frigid January night on the northeast side of Indianapolis.

Five Indianapolis police officers responded immediately to the scene, where they found that the vehicle was submerged under 10 feet of icy water and 15 feet from the shore.

Risking their own lives, the officers raced into the pond to rescue a father and a young brother and sister. After pulling the victims from the water, officers administered CPR to the father and one of the children before they were rushed to Eskenazi Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children. Both children were saved, but their father was pronounced dead.

Three of the officers also were taken to Eskenazi for evaluation and treatment. A fourth officer who rushed into the frigid water was evaluated and released at the scene.

On Jan. 20, five Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers involved in the rescue, along with their families, were honored during a community luncheon at Shepherd Community Center.

Scores of students from Shepherd Academy delivered handmade cards to the officers to thank them for their service and sacrifice.

State Rep. Hunter Smith, the luncheon speaker, played for 12 seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts. He told the officers that they are true heroes who each day risk far more than even the most gifted athletes.

“We (professional athletes) are the clowns of culture who make people smile,” Smith said. “You are the heroes.”

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, Arsenal Technical High School Principal JR Shelt and other community leaders gave an extended standing ovation to the men and women who placed others’ safety ahead of their own.

“Not everyone appreciates what you do for our city and community,” Shepherd Executive Director Jay Height told the officers. “But we do.”