Illinois State Police trooper receives award for his bravery

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — An Illinois State Police Trooper has been awarded the Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor according to the Illinois State Police.

Brian Frank was given the award for “his exceptional bravery and sacrificial service” he has given to the residents of Illinois.

Frank was seriously injured in February of 2021 due to a driver not complying with the move-over law which is also known as Scott’s Law.

According to the state police, Frank had responded to a crash on Interstate 55 in Will County and parked his squad car behind the crashed vehicles which were in the left lane. A driver hit the back of his car causing “incapacitating injuries” to him.

Gov. JB Pritzker and ISP director Brendan Kelly presented the award to Frank at a ceremony.

“There are not enough words to express the extreme gratitude for Trooper Brian Frank’s selfless sacrifice, nor the words to convey the heartache for his debilitating injuries,” Kelly said.

The award is given to an officer who has either been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty or has displayed exceptional bravery and/or heroism according to the state police.

“One of the highest distinctions in all of law enforcement, the Medal of Honor is awarded to brave officers who put themselves in harms way to keep Illinoisans safe and protected,” Pritzker said.

Frank is still working to recover from the injuries he received over three years ago and had been previously unable to attend award ceremonies but was able to attend this one with his wife.

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