SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – Illinois State Police Trooper Brian Frank was awarded the Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor for his bravery and service to Illinois residents.
Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly presented the award to Trooper Frank on Wednesday.
On February 15, 2021, ISP Trooper Brian Frank suffered serious injuries due to a violation of Scott's Law, also known as the Move Over Law, in Illinois.
Trooper Frank was responding to a traffic accident in Will County and pulled behind the wrecked vehicles in the left lane with his emergency lights activated, when another car collided with the rear of his squad car, causing him serious injuries.
The driver was charged with aggravated reckless driving and violating the Move Over Law.
“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,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
Pritzker continued, “Trooper Frank, in his service to Illinois State Police, and in the example he has set during his recovery, has set a high standard of bravery and made our state a better and safer place — especially for his fellow officers. This Medal of Honor will not even begin to repay Trooper Frank’s sacrifices, but I hope it serves as a reminder of the reverence we hold him in and the incredibly positive impact of his service.”
The Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor is awarded by the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee to officers who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty, or who have displayed exceptional bravery or heroism while performing their duties as a law enforcement officer.
Due to his ongoing recovery efforts, Trooper Frank has been unable to attend previous awards ceremonies.
“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,” said ISP Director Kelly. “It is truly an honor to award Trooper Brian Frank the Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor.”
Trooper Frank received the award alongside his wife, Lauren Frank, who is a strong Move Over Law advocate.
“Navigating Brian's severe traumatic brain injury recovery and aftermath has been the hardest thing I ever could have imagined,” said Lauren Frank. “We are 3.5 years out and still waiting for Brian to return to full consciousness. The setbacks, the complications, the legal matters, the medical bills, the home life adjustments, just to name a few obstacles since the crash, have been incomprehensible. I am grateful to take a moment to pause and recognize Brian for the hero that he is. Amidst all the heartache, he deserves to be celebrated for surviving another year against all odds, for the sacrifice he made, risking and ultimately giving his life, to protect others. I am so proud of Brian and it is my honor to love him and fight alongside him for his healing. For today, this acknowledgment with the Medal of Honor is certainly a gift.”
