Indianapolis – A surprise reunion at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) highlighted the power of American Sign Language (ASL) to foster trust between officers and the deaf community. Officer Anthony Johnson, a seven‑year veteran of the department, met again with Mark Braster, a local boy who was born deaf, during a scheduled visit to the IMPD North District headquarters.
From a viral video to a personal connection
Mark first captured public attention last season when a video of him signing with Colts cheerleader Morgan went viral, amassing more than 14 million views. The clip, recorded by Mark’s mother, Veronica Ochoa, showed the young boy greeting the cheerleader with a simple “Hi, how are you?” in ASL. The widespread response sparked interest among law‑enforcement officers eager to learn basic signs.
Officer Johnson recognized Mark in the crowd at a Colts preseason game in September. “I remembered seeing his video and thought, ‘I hope I get to meet him one day,’” Johnson said. When the two finally met, Johnson asked, “Can I have a hug, man?” The moment was captured on video and quickly shared across social media, underscoring the genuine connection between the officer and the young sign‑language advocate.
Learning ASL as a tool for public safety
Johnson, who studied ASL in college, explained that many officers receive only basic Spanish training at the academy, leaving a gap when they encounter deaf individuals. “Once you meet someone who uses sign language, you wish you’d learned a little more,” he said. “Every time I’m able to communicate with a deaf person, they look so relieved. It makes the community feel seen and safer.”
Ochoa emphasized the broader impact of the encounter. “Having Mark here shows other officers that learning sign language matters,” she said. “It’s not a one‑time thing; it’s about building ongoing relationships and encouraging more officers to learn signs.”
Community response and future plans
Since the viral video, IMPD has received numerous comments from officers and citizens expressing interest in ASL training. Johnson noted that many of his colleagues are now seeking resources to improve their communication skills with deaf residents. “People want to learn more, and that’s a positive step for public safety,” he added.
The department plans to incorporate basic ASL modules into its regular training schedule and to host additional outreach events with local deaf organizations. By doing so, IMPD hopes to create a more inclusive environment where all Indianapolis residents feel respected and protected.
Why it matters for families and faith communities
For families with deaf children, seeing a police officer engage respectfully in sign language offers reassurance that their loved ones are valued members of the community. Faith‑based groups in Indianapolis have also praised the effort, noting that it aligns with Christian principles of compassion and service to all neighbors.
“We are called to love our neighbors, and that includes learning how to communicate with them in their language,” said a local pastor who attended the IMPD visit. “This initiative reflects the heart of our community and our shared commitment to safety and dignity for every individual.”
Looking ahead
Mark’s mother hopes the story will inspire more people to take the first step in learning ASL, even if they don’t become fluent. “You don’t have to be an expert; just learning a few signs can make a huge difference,” she said.
Officer Johnson echoed that sentiment, encouraging residents to view the effort as a collective responsibility. “When we all take small steps to understand each other, we build a stronger, safer Indianapolis,” he concluded.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
