ISBA President Jack C. Carey, an attorney in private practice in Belleville, presents Belleville police Sergeant Jon Brough with the 2008 Law Enforcement Award.
Belleville Police Sgt. Jon J. Brough received the 2008 Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) Monday night.
According to a statement from the ISBA, the Law Enforcement Award was created to recognize sworn law enforcement officers for conduct that promotes justice and to distinguish those individuals whose service to the public brings honor and respect to the entire criminal justice system.
The award is given sparingly to recognize those who truly excel in the field of law enforcement, the ISBA statement said.
ISBA President Jack C. Carey, an attorney in private practice in Belleville, presented the award prior to the regularly schedule City Council meeting.
Nearly two years ago, Brough was part of an emergency response team attempting to locate and apprehend a man suspected of stabbing to death his former in-laws.
When Brough and his team entered a dwelling in Belleville, the suspect fired his shotgun in the face of the sergeant before taking his own life.
Brough was critically injured, disfigured and blinded. He has undergone nine surgeries, including two to save his life and seven to reconstruct his face.
Carey, who nominated Brough, said that he is "a true hero who, like all police officers, constantly face danger as they serve and protect the public."
Carey also said that Brough "acknowledges the importance of keeping a sense of humor, even when faced with life's most serious challenges. For that, he is a true role model."