DeLAND, Fla. – The DeLand Police Department is rallying around its brother in blue who has been sidelined by an aggressive lung disease.
After a successful double-lung transplant this week, the community of DeLand showed up at Sonny's BBQ on Thursday evening to raise money for Constantine "Dino" Procos' medical expenses. The restaurant donated 20 percent of all sales on Thursday to their fundraiser.
"(He's a) really interesting guy," Police Chief William Ridgway said. "Fantastic officer, fantastic person to have in the community, and we are here to support him because, unfortunately, he has a rare lung disease."
Procos, a six-year veteran of the police department, was diagnosed with the incurable lung disease in March.
Without a transplant, Procos was only expected to live another year.
"Everything is going smoothly," Officer Jessica Warenyk said. "He's in recovery right now, and, you know, the scary part is over. Now it's being there for him and helping him get through the long process afterwards."
Procos' GoFundMe account has already raised more than $20,000, but the Police Department said expense are expected to far exceed that amount.
Procos must stay in Jacksonville for at least another 90 days, where he will receive 24-hour treatment.
He has a decorated past. Procos was born in South Africa, where he served in the country's military. Before joining the DeLand Police Department, he also worked as a skydiving instructor.
"(I) really enjoy him at the Police Department," Lt. Chris Jaques said. "He's on my squad currently, so he's like one of our -- literally one of our family. The guy can't stand still. He had to keep moving, and
for him to sit here in that hospital, in that bed, with that oxygen connected to him, it was very frustrating for him."
Click here if you would like to donate to the GoFundMe account set up for Procos.