PONTOON BEACH, Ill. – A Pontoon Beach police officer who nearly lost his life in a head-on crash last week is talking and cracking jokes after being moved from the intensive care unit.
Officer Lee Brousseau was hit by a pickup truck head-on when it swerved into his lane on State Route 111 just south of New Poag Road on Thursday. The driver, Daniel Lee, 33, died in the crash. Officer Brousseau suffered a compound fracture to his ankle, a broken femur and facial injuries.
“I do know deep down he's going to come back,” said Pontoon Beach police officer James Autery, one of Officer Brousseau’s best friends. “He has that warrior mentality."
Officer Brousseau has been with the Pontoon Beach Police Department for more than a year. He worked with the South Roxanna Police Department for over 5 years. He also fought professionally as an MMA fighter.
The veteran officer and father of two now has one more battle outside of the octagon to win.
“Just like in any MMA fight he's been in, he's persevered and won," said Sgt. Autery. “So it will be no different in this case."
Sergeant James Autery has known Officer Brousseau since they were in the third grade. He was also one of the officers who responded to the crash. Seeing such a strong person in a weak state was overwhelming.
"All kinds of emotion runs through your head."
Pontoon beach mayor Mike Pagano has been with Officer Brousseau every step of the way.
"It brings tears to my eyes, it really does," he said.
He said although he was in so much pain, the community he serves was one of the only things on his mind.
"He told me he wants to come back to work," said Pagano. “[The nurses] came in this morning and they asked how his pain level was and he said I'm OK."
That's the kind of guy he is: strong and selfless. The support from the community is only a testament to that.
"I’ve been here for 15 years," said Officer Autery. “I have never seen an outpouring of help and people wanting to help and do what they can for someone as much as him."
It's going to be a long road to recovery. He’s going to need more surgeries, but knowing Officer Brousseau the way those close to him do: he'll be back on his feet sooner than any doctor can predict.
A GoFundMe page created for Officer Brousseau has topped $7,000. A dine and donate event is scheduled next Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Uncle Linnys. More fundraisers are expected to be held in the future.
