ST. LOUIS – It’s been 21 years since a drunk driver changed Matt Browning’s life forever. The former St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officer, then 26, was making an arrest near Busch Stadium when he was struck by a drunk driver. Both of Browning’s legs were amputated.

Fast forward to 2025. Browning is married and holds a high-level position working at Laura Buick-GMC.

He didn’t do it alone.

“I can’t say ‘Thank you’ enough to The BackStoppers,” Browning said.

The BackStoppers, Inc. is known to many for the financial assistance it provides to families of police, fire and EMS workers who were killed in the line of duty. But the St. Louis-based organization, now in its 66th year, also steps up in a big way for first responders like Browning.

“We can’t forget them. We honor our fallen. But what we do for our catastrophic first responders?” BackStoppers Executive Director Col. Larry Battelle, a retired SLMPD veteran, said.

BackStoppers is currently providing financial support to the families of 13 first responders living with catastrophic injuries. The most recent case is SLMPD Officer Nathan Spiess, who in March was struck by a vehicle during a pursuit, forcing a partial leg amputation. And last year, BackStoppers announced it was helping Officer Travis “TJ” Brown. Brown is battling a traumatic brain injury after he was pushed to the ground while trying to control protests outside the Ferguson Police Department.

The BackStoppers recently held a luncheon honoring the injured officers. Among those present, a husband, father, and retired police sergeant whose story continues to captivate the St. Louis area.

It was late morning Nov. 10, 2006, when Belleville Police Sgt. Jon Brough was conducting a police raid on a murder suspect. The suspect shot Brough in the face, blinding him permanently. Brough has since undergone dozens of surgeries and has continued health challenges.

Nineteen years later, Brough shines as living proof that the BackStoppers’ support is ongoing – and appreciated.

“It is such a relief knowing that someone is stepping forward. I’m still here, going strong, getting fatter,” Brough joked, “but enjoying life so much.”

For catastrophically injured officers like Brough—married with children—BackStoppers helps cover education costs from daycare through college. That is on top of medical bills for the family, and other assistance.

“They stepped forward with assistance to help me modify my house so that I could get around in a wheelchair. I got a ramp, so I could function, and be fully independent,” Matt Browning said. Browning is the first case the BackStoppers took on. Brough’s was the first on the Illinois side.

In addition to providing a safety net for the catastrophically injured heroes, BackStoppers is also assisting 95 families of the fallen.

O’Toole stressed that none of this good work would be possible without community support. The BackStoppers, Inc. serves as a lifeline thanks to donations. The 38th annual charity boxing event Guns ‘N Hoses is BackStoppers’ largest fundraiser and takes place Wednesday, Nov. 26 at Enterprise Center. 100% of the money raised will go directly to The BackStoppers so it can continue to help families.

“They’re family. They’re part of the BackStoppers family,” O’Toole said.