Harsy receives ISP Medal of Honor Police lieutenant was injured while on duty, but returned to work

An Illinois State Police lieutenant from Du Quoin has been awarded the agency's Medal of Honor after he was struck by a car while on duty.

Lt. Don Aaron Harsy, formerly of Du Quoin and now of Bourbonnais, was honored during a ceremony Oct. 13 at Hope Church in Springfield.

The award is presented to law enforcement officers who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty or have displayed exceptional bravery or heroism while performing duties as law enforcement officers.

Harsy, who also received the Purple Heart Award from the Illinois State Police in May, was the recipient of these awards because of an incident in which a motorist driving under the influence struck him as he was returning to his squad car.

He was seriously injured, suffering head, facial and other bodily injuries. After two surgeries and extensive therapy, he returned to work.</group><group id="D2873B95-99F3-40D5-96F4-ED