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IMPD G.R.E.A.T Camp guides generations of Indy kids

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IMPD G.R.E.A.T Camp guides generations of Indy kids


INDIANAPOLIS — Monday, an IMPD and ATF program aimed at educating youth about the streets kicked off its middle school portion in Indianapolis.

It’s a program that has guided generations of Indy kids but it was also a surprise for a couple of Gang Resistance Education and Training Camp or G.R.E.A.T officers.

“As a G.R.E.A.T grad yourself you’ve dedicated your life to serving your community as a police officer with the IMPD,” said Coleman.

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A surprise recognition from the ATF for IMPD Gang Resistance Education and Training Camp officers, Marcus Riley and Jonas Coleman.

“It’s kind of funny. I was actually laughing at the officer because he wasn’t expecting it and then next thing I know, my name was being called too,” said Coleman.

G.R.E.A.T students learn from metro police officers and ATF agents about violence in the city and how to better themselves.

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“That’s the main things, respect and knowing they can do anything,” said Coleman.

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“Teaching the children life skills that are so valuable we don’t want them to go in jail, and I don’t ever want to have to arrest them but how do you do that? You teach them those skills not to get arrested. You teach them how to manage their anger, how to handle peer pressure, how to handle someone else who’s angry,” said ATF Senior Special Agent Veronica Morales-Miller.

The two officers honored, once sat in the same seats as the middle schoolers.

They even learned from the same G.R.E.A.T instructor.

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“Don’t say what year, back in the 90s, from kindergarten all the way up to fifth grade and so Officer Grinnell came across our summer camps,” said Officer Riley. “I always believe in giving back, pay it forward. Not all of us have those for guidance, such as brothers, sisters, fathers. Everybody comes into a different situation. So, you try to be that mentor for kids, and try to, you know, be there for what lacks at home.”

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Officer Riley grew up in Riverside off MLK where Holy Angels Catholic school and the camp sits.

“Used to live right across the street in my my youth days,” he said.

Officer Coleman, grew up in Martindale-Brightwood.

Now, they’re working to bridge the gap between police and people in their communities.

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“We’re all human beings. We’re here to do good things, versus all the things you see on media. So again, everybody is trying to bridge that gap. I would like to be judged for the person I am, not for the uniform I wear,” said Riley.

“It’s an honor and honoring experience to be able to get out there and help them experience the same things that I experienced when I was a kid,” said Coleman. “It really helped shaped who I am today.”

When he looks at the children he said he sees a bright future who might even follow in their footsteps.

“I see a lot of kids that’s thrilled to be here ready and motivated to go and learn about the program,” said Coleman.

“Kids need to understand that this is your potential right here, and I’m truly grateful that they decide to become great instructors. So, from their classroom experience, to becoming IMPD officers and instructor.s We have some kids here that are probably going to follow in their footsteps thanks to the recognition, and I hope that they do, because these guys are awesome,” said Morales-Miller.

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The ATF said nationwide funding for the G.R.E.A.T program ends on September 30th.

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Volunteers will still be there, but funding helps with food, trips and more.

The ATF is hoping to spread awareness of the importance of the program like IMPD’s.





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Tommy Davidson to perform in Indianapolis, discusses new sitcom and comedy

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Tommy Davidson to perform in Indianapolis, discusses new sitcom and comedy


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Comedian Tommy Davidson, known for his work on “In Living Color” and “The Proud Family,” is set to perform at Helium Comedy Club in Indianapolis on Dec. 19, 20 and 21, 2025.

General admission tickets are priced at $36.97, while reserved tickets are available for $49.39. During a recent interview, Davidson expressed his thoughts on the lack of new Christmas music, emphasizing the need for fresh original songs during the holiday season.

Davidson has been touring with fellow comedian Cat Williams, showcasing their unique styles together. He revealed that their collaborative performances have allowed audiences from various backgrounds to come together and enjoy comedy, stating, “I look at my audience and it’s Latinos looking at whites and whites looking at Asians and Asians looking at Indians. We’re all the same still. And everybody laughing together, which I think is something that is vastly needed right now.”

In addition to his touring, Davidson is producing a new sitcom titled “Varnell,” based on a character from his earlier work. He shared insights into his upbringing, recalling, “Of course, of course. My mom taught me, you know, you live with an open hand, you know and you can receive and you can give, you know.” He reflected on his journey from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom, highlighting the importance of hard work in achieving success.

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Davidson discussed the significance of his experiences and how they shape his comedy. “That’s what comedy comes into play and has for so long for me personally, like stand up. That’s what it does. It takes all of your worries away, anything that you think is going on in the world.” He also touched upon the importance of storytelling and connecting with an audience, emphasizing, .”..that work part, that word work, you know, that’s what my mom taught me.”



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Indianapolis residents face mixed experiences with USPS during busiest shipping week

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Indianapolis residents face mixed experiences with USPS during busiest shipping week


INDIANAPOLIS — A busy holiday shipping season has left some Indianapolis residents frustrated with postal service delays, while others report smooth deliveries during what the United States Postal Service calls its busiest week of the year.

“This is actually the busiest mailing, shipping and delivery week of the entire year. So we are incredibly busy,” said Susan Wright, USPS spokesperson.

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Indianapolis residents face mixed experiences with USPS during holiday season

For Indianapolis resident Steve Burnstein, the holiday rush has meant nearly two weeks of waiting for gifts that should have arrived days ago.

“I’m just frustrated to the top, you know, there’s no reason for it,” Burnstein said.

After dropping off his gifts, Steve was told delivery would take just a matter of days. Nearly two weeks later, the packages remain stuck at a distribution center just miles from his home.

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“They’re sitting at a distribution center at English at or Brookville Road near 465,” Burnstein added.

WRTV followed Steve to the post office to track down his missing packages, and employees spent more than 15 minutes searching for answers.

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing — it’s moving through the distribution center— but not to California,” Steve said after the lengthy wait.

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Wright offered advice for avoiding shipping delays during the busy season.

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“One thing that I want to encourage customers to do is to be sure you have an accurate address, and the one thing you do not want to guess about is the zip code, because the zip code is our first line of sortation. And so if that is incorrect, it will misdirect your package,” Wright said.

Other Indianapolis residents have had better experiences with the postal service during the holiday rush.

“They’re very good about getting your mail out and getting it on time,” Delores Parker from Indianapolis said.

Delores recommends additional precautions.

“I usually make sure it’s where I get a return receipt if it’s something that’s very important,” she added.

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Steve suggests considering alternatives for critical shipments.

“Ship them FedEx, ship them UPS. Check and make sure that they’re gonna go,” Steve said.

According to the USPS Website, the deadline for a package to arrive by Christmas through Priority Mail Express is Saturday, December 20.


Griffin Gonzalez is the In Your Community multimedia journalist for Hamilton County. He joined WRTV in January of 2024. Griffin loves to tell stories about people overcoming their biggest obstacles and share the good news that his community has to offer. Share your story ideas and important issues with Griffin by emailing him at griffin.gonzalez@wrtv.com.





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Silver Alert declared for 16-year-old boy missing from Indianapolis

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Silver Alert declared for 16-year-old boy missing from Indianapolis


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Robert Williams Jr., a 16-year-old Black male who is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 185 pounds, has black hair with brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a gray coat, blue sweat pants, and black tennis shoes.

Williams Jr. is missing from Indianapolis, and was last seen on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. 

Investigators ask that anyone with information on Williams Jr. contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department at 317-327-6541 or 911.

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