ISBA award to Belleville police hero

A Belleville police sergeant who was critically injured while making an arrest received an ISBA Law Enforcement Award prior to a city council meeting on Aug. 18.

Jon J. Brough was a member of an emergency response team that entered a home in search of a man who was suspected of stabbing his former in-laws to death.

Before taking his own life, the suspect fired a shotgun into Brough’s face, blinding and disfiguring him. The officer had nine surgeries to save his life and seven more to reconstruct his face.

ISBA President Jack C. Carey of Belleville, who nominated Brough for the Law Enforcement Award, called him “a true hero like all police officers who constantly face danger as they serve and protect the public.

“The sergeant credits his family and support from the community for getting him through the tough times,” Carey added. “He acknowledges the importance of keeping a sence of humor, even when faced with life’s most serious challenges. For that, he is a true role model.”

The ISBA award was created to recognize law enforcement officers for conduct that promotes justice and brings honor and respect to the criminal justice system. It is given sparingly to those who excel in the field of law enforcement.