Darren Wilson, the police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown last week, earned a police award for his “extraordinary effort in the line of duty," Yahoo News reported.
Wilson's father posted a picture of his son receiving the award on Facebook, writing on Feb. 11, "Very proud of my son, Darren Wilson on his receiving a Commendation from his Police Department. Congratulations Son."
It's not clear why Wilson won the award, and Yahoo reported his father's Facebook page was taken down shortly after they published the story.
John Wilson also turned to the social network to ask friends for support a few days ago.
He wrote:
Dear FB friends, Our family is in need for prayers to be sent up for a family member. Circumstances do not allow for us to say anything further. Please pray with our family in mind. Put a covering of protection over our family member please.
On Friday, Police Chief Thomas Jackson, who is seen giving Wilson the award, told reporters that Wilson was taking the death of 18-year-old Brown "very hard."
"He never intended for any of this to happen," Jackson said. "It's devastating, absolutely devastating."
Wilson has served on the Ferguson police force for four years, and the police chief said he had no history of needing discipline, describing him as a "gentle man."
"He has been an excellent officer for the police department," Jackson said.
Wilson has not been formally charged or arrested for Brown's death, and he and his family reportedly have been moved from the town as a safety precaution.